ABOUT RIVER NORTH - CHICAGO
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Chicago’s River North neighborhood got its start as an industrial area and later became a warehouse district.
When the warehouses closed down in the 1970’s the large, empty buildings attracted various artists and writers looking for loft and studio space, thus creating a neighborhood that was artistic but also struggling.
This was the River North neighborhood 30 years ago. Since then, however, River North has completely transformed from this simple beginning. It is now a chic, cultural hub filled with art galleries,restaurants,bars,clubs, antique stores, boutiques and of course urban professionals. Boasting Chicago’s highest concentration of restaurants, this small neighborhood has become a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike.
River North is aptly named; it lies north of the Loop, west of famed Michigan Avenue and south of Chicago Avenue, with the Chicago River as its boundary on the south and the west.. It is city living at its finest, but without all the congestion of other areas in the city!
ART GALLERIES
River North is home to one of the country’s largest collection of galleries, second only to New York. There are over 100 art galleries in this small neighborhood! In fact, the area is becoming known as SuHu, since most of the neighborhood’s galleries are located on or near Superior and Huron streets. These art galleries are in fact distinct from one another; their owners are passionate about entirely different types and methods of art.
The Alan Koppel Gallery features contemporary international artists, while the Kenneth Probst Gallery shows American and European Impressionist paintings. The ZG Gallery hosts group shows that touch upon a variety of themes (some past themes have included the use of color in contemporary abstract painting and the recuperative power of nature). Primitive Art Works features Tribal and Ethnic Artwork.
The Bianca Pilat Gallery of Contemporary Art hosts large-scale prints and the Maya-Polsky Gallery hosts sculpture. Portals, Ltd is a unique gallery that features realist paintings, antique furniture and decorative arts; it is devoted to art lovers and collectors.
At River North you can find all the art in the world; you can also find the supplies to create your own. There are several shops in the area for art supplies and art paraphernalia
SHOPPING
Chicago's Magnificent Mile is only a 10 minute walk from the heart of the River North area! Water Tower Place, Neiman Marcus, Macy's and every other store imaginable are all within walking distance or a brief cab ride from River North! River North is an excellent destination for a day of antiquing.
There are almost 20 separate antique stores or warehouses, each boasting an impressive inventory of antique furniture, paintings, prints and objects d’art. Try Cosulich Interiors & Antiques for European antiques, paintings, chandeliers and accessories from the 16th through 20th centuries and Christa’s Antiques for fine antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries.
There are furniture stores as well in River North; most of them are specialty stores, focusing on one aspect of home décor such as lighting, wooden furniture, beds, linens, etc. Some stores include The Ambiente Collection, Hastens Bed Shop and Luminaire.
The Merchandise Mart and the Apparel Center are havens for women’s and men’s fashion; there are also small independent boutiques such as En Vain, Clever Alice and Henry Beguelin that sell upscale apparel for men and women.
RESTAURANTS
River North is filled with over 100 restaurants, in all genres of food, including American, Brazilian, Chinese, French, Indian, Japanese, Mediterranean, Spanish, Thai and even Vegetarian.
River North has some of the finest restaurants in the city of Chicago! Some of the restaurants worth noting are: Chicago Chop House, Gene & Georgettis, Reeza's, Japonaise, Sushi Samba, Cafe Iberico, Carsons, Zocalo, Graham Elliot Smith & Wollinksy And Harry Carry's are just a few of the great restaurants River North has to offer. From great steaks to great sushi, River North has it all!
NIGHTLIFE
River North has a vibrant nightlife, as several of the restaurants in the area are open late and there are a number of clubs and bars scattered throughout the neighborhood. Some of the better-known bars/clubs include Y Bar, Manor, Rino, J Bar, Griffin Lounge, Citizen, Spy Bar, Stone Lotus, Rockit, English and Sound-Bar.
The colorful, energetic neighborhood of River North is cultured by day and boisterous by night. The people who live in and visit this area know how to make the most of its extensive antique and art arena, as well as sit back and enjoy its festive nightlife.
River North, like so many of Chicago’s neighborhoods, evades simple labeling and serves up different levels of entertainment
REAL ESTATE
Reading the above information, it is no surprise that River North is one of Chicago's most desired neighborhoods! One of the "hottest" sections of River North is the Kingsbury/Ontario Corridor. This area encompasses Lofts, Mid Rise and High Rise condo buildings and several art galleries, bars and restaurants all within steps of each other!
The River Walk Park which was completed in 2007 and lies right in the middle of this corridor is a pleasant visual break from the "concrete jungle". This two acre park that overlooks the Chicago River is full of green grass, tress and hills. It is indeed a pleasant break from city living
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO PAY FOR HOUSING
River North prices vary due to several variables: Location, Building, Sq Footage, Building Amenities
1 Bedroom Condos: $250,000-$350,000
2 Bedroom Condos: $350,000-$1,300,000
3 Bedroom Condos $450,000-$900,000
Single Family Residences: Currently starting at $2,300,000
Given all the aforementioned information, it is no wonder why my clients love when I find them homes in the River North Area! It is also no wonder why I call River North my home!
Jim Kontos
RE/MAX First Class
3947 Dempster
Skokie, IL 60610
office: (847) 674-9797
direct: (630) 327-9136
email: JKontos@Remax.net
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