Wicker Park is a neighborhood in Chicago that has been part of the city since 1837. It grew with the arrival of industry in 1857 and Irish immigrants to provide labor. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 increased residential and commercial development in Wicker Park. The neighborhood has experienced two distinct periods of growth and decline, and now attracts a younger population with its restaurants, shops and entertainment. Current demographics show a median income and age higher than the city as a whole.

1. Wicker Park

2. History
Wicker Park has been part of Chicago since its incorporation to the city in 1837
Industry came into the area in 1857 with the opening of Rolling Mill Steel Works.
◦ Irish community settled there to provide the labor
◦ Residencies were established along the major avenues of Ashland and Milwaukee, in turn pushing
population out of the city
◦ Clothing and instrument stores, breweries, and cigar manufacturers added to the scene of the district of
Wicker Park
The aftermath of Chicago's Great Fire of 1871 created an increased residential and commercial
scene in Wicker Park

3. 2 distinct periods of development in Wicker Park
• 1800s-1929 "establishment and growth period"
• 1930-1973/5 "depressed community" followed buy an explosion of rebirth and
development that is continuing today
• restaurants, entertainment, and classy shops

4. Demographics (2014)
Current Population: 11,219
Median Income: $77,357 (Chicago $38,625)
Average Net Worth: $724, 612
Long-term Residents: 15%
Median Age: 30 years
Ethnic Groups: large groups of Germans, Norwegians, Jews, and Poles

7. Directions
1. Get on the red line towards the loop.
2. At Washington, switch to the blue line towards O'hare.
3. Get off at Damen.
The total trip takes about one hour.

8. Things to do

9. More things to do

10. iCream
http://youtu.be/rG7CK2qbOs4

12. Sources
"History of the Wicker Park District." Neighborhood History. Chicago Website Development:
Chicago Digital And Website Design: Marian Williams Design, n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2014.
"Wicker Park, Chicago, IL." Realtor.com. National Association of Realtors, n.d. 20 Oct. 2014.