NEIGHBORHOOD
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4041 N. KILDARE
NEARBY POINTS OF INTEREST
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WELCOME TO OLD IRVING PARK
This tranquil neighborhood on Chicago’s northwest side boasts large vintage homes on oversized lots and convenient access to the city’s downtown Loop and O’Hare International Airport by bus, train, or expressway. Old Irving Park is a small section of Irving Park proper where landmark architecture meets modern construction. Buildings erected in the late 1800s still grace the tree-lined streets that are also budding with contemporary townhomes and new condominiums. Despite its charming old-school character, Old Irving Park is an active commercial center, including the new Northwestern Medicine and Immediate Care Center on Irving Park Road and Kenneth.
The neighborhood’s Six Corners Plaza is a retail hub where residents find big box stores such as Office Depot and nearby Target. Independent specialty shops are also on hand and a dining backdrop that includes all the local favorites (stuffed pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs).
A RICH HISTORY: THE STORY OF IRVING PARK
Irving Park’s story began in 1843 when Major Noble purchased 160 acres of farmland, stretching from Montrose to Irving Park and Pulaski to Kostner. His home, which doubled as the Blackthorn Tavern, welcomed travelers along Elston Avenue. After years of successful farming, Noble sold the land, and in 1869, four New York investors—Charles T. Race, John S. Brown, Adelbert E. Brown, and John Wheeler—bought it with plans to continue farming. However, inspired by the success of nearby suburbs, they decided to create an exclusive residential community just seven miles from downtown Chicago.
To make the area more accessible, they struck a deal with the Chicago & North Western Railroad to build a station—still in use today. Originally planned as “Irvington,” the name was changed to “Irving Park” after discovering another Illinois town had already claimed it. By the early 1870s, grand mansions lined Irving Park Boulevard, and as new residents arrived—especially after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871—the community flourished with unique, yet slightly less extravagant homes.
In 1889, Irving Park and the rest of Jefferson Township were annexed to Chicago, bringing city amenities like Lake Michigan water, fire protection, and streetcar service. By the turn of the 20th century, the neighborhood had grown significantly, with several new subdivisions, including Grayland, West Walker, the Gross Boulevard Addition, and The Villa, a Chicago Landmark District known for its Craftsman and Bungalow-style homes.
The early 20th century saw continued development, including elegant apartment buildings and the creation of Independence Park, a local gathering place for celebrations, parades, and concerts. However, the construction of the Kennedy Expressway in the 1950s disrupted the community, leading to the loss of many homes and businesses.
A resurgence began in the 1980s, as residents rediscovered Irving Park’s historic charm and worked to preserve its stunning architecture. Today, many Victorian-era homes still stand, some beautifully restored, while others retain traces of their original grandeur. Thanks to dedicated community efforts, Irving Park continues to thrive as a vibrant neighborhood—a “suburb within the city”—blending history, charm, and city convenience.