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Chinatown
Bolstered by a second wave of immigration in the ’50s and ’60s, the area has developed two distinct sections. “Old Chinatown” runs down Wentworth Street, “New Chinatown” down Archer Avenue. »
Best of the South Side 2011
If you look at a map, you’ll see our city of neighborhoods carved into 77 “community areas.” The lines, drawn by sociologists in the 1950s, sometimes traced the perimeters of ethnic enclaves and sometimes created them. Flattening Chicago’s complex social geography, these semi-official designations remain in use, but even urban planners would admit they... »
The Transformation
Chicago Housing Authority's “Plan for Transformation,” which started in 2000, is the “largest and most ambitious redevelopment effort of public housing in our country’s history.” CHA has already begun a series of demolitions, relocations, renovations, and new constructions—yet it remains to be seen how much can truly be changed. »
Housing Guide 2011
Every year, between April and June, the student population of Hyde Park rearranges itself. Boxes are packed, dorm rooms are vacated, U-Hauls get rented, leases are signed, and a whole lot of students try and memorize a new address. The prospect of finding a new home is exciting, but it’s also daunting, especially when everyone... »
Housing Guide 2011: In the Dog House
Finding a new apartment can be especially stressful when you are responsible for finding a place that’s welcoming to you and your cuddly companion. Most apartments and houses that allow pets require a non-refundable fee that is paid before the move-in date. Some also require leasers to pay a “pet rent” fee in addition... »
Housing Guide 2011: Greening Your Apartment
A long Chicago winter can make global warming seem like a blessing, but assuming we want to avoid taking the Earth down that track, here’s some advice to make your apartment greener—and save some money on the utilities bill as well. Check your apartment for any leaky faucets or drafts, and fix any you... »
Housing Guide 2011: What’s in a Name
Ever been to a party at the Toolshed? Had pancakes at the Shtetl? Got down and dirty with some wrestlers at the Unit? Are you thinking these places may be the newest North Side dance-pancake-boxing fusion joint? Believe it or not, you likely walk by some of these places everyday. They are, in fact,... »
Housing Guide 2011: Confessions of a Passive-Aggressive Roommate
Despite my occasional self-denial, I’ll be the first to admit it—I’m the roommate they warn you about. No, I’m not the naked one, or the one who eats your food, or the one who stays out until five in the morning, stumbling in drunk and disoriented. Rest assured, I’m not the one who has... »
