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Uptown United

The mission of Uptown United is to provide technical assistance to businesses and economic investors located in and serving Uptown, initiate and participate in strategic planning, encourage economic development to strengthen the community's economic base, address broad issues pertaining to the quality of life for Uptown's diverse population, and be a network to encourage partnerships.

Development Partners

The mission of the Development Partners is to initiate and participate in strategic planning, promote appropriate land use, and encourage development projects that provide employment opportunities, a strengthened economic base, and an enhanced quality of life for Uptown's diverse population.

Community Partners

The mission of the Community Partners is to initiate and participate in strategic planning and discussion to address broad issues of community development including balanced growth, social diversity, and economic vitality. Community Partners will be a network promoting productive interaction and will serve as a catalyst to effect partnerships among businesses and community organizations to enhance the quality of life for Uptown's diverse population.

Business Partners

The mission of the Business Partners, the Chamber for Uptown, is to provide comprehensive support services and access to technical assistance programs to businesses and economic investors located in and serving Uptown. The assistance furnished by the Business Partners will insure that Uptown businesses have the opportunity and tools to thrive, and that the needs for goods and services in the community are met.

Also please visit our
Uptown partner UptownBusinessPartners.com

Uptown United

Uptown History
During the last half of the nineteenth century, the rural beachfront north of Chicago was a favorite recreational destination for the city's elite. Residential development began in the 1860's and grew as commuter rail service extended north from the city early in the twentieth century.

By the 1920's, Uptown had developed a bustling retail and entertainment district, rivaled only by downtown. The Gold Coast, as its wealthy residents called Uptown, boasted 11 theaters, 36 hotels, and beautiful mansions. Three of these theaters -- the Uptown, Riviera, and Aragon Ballroom -- still stand.
In its zenith, Uptown was the hub of cafe society and entertainment in the Midwest. The film industry began and thrived in Uptown at Essanay Studios on Argyle Street. Before the studios moved to Hollywood, Uptown was the home of well known entertainment figures including Gloria Swanson, Douglas Fairbanks, and, briefly, Charlie Chaplin. Frank Sinatra got his break singing at the Aragon.

Uptown's housing stock suffered after World War II. Relaxed standards encouraged division of large residential units into smaller units to meet an increased housing demand. The neighborhoods further declined in 1960, when 25% of Uptown's historic housing was lost to fire in a single year.

During the 60's and 70's, large numbers of low-income residents poured into Uptown, over-burdening its social services and increasing demand for affordable housing. Urban renewal projects, including large institutions, displaced residents and removed additional historic structures. Between 1960 and 1980, 13 subsidized housing projects (2000 new units) were built for low and moderate income, most in high-rises along the Clarendon and Sheridan corridors.

Fortunately, much of Uptown's architectural legacy remains. Gradual but dramatic improvement of Uptown's neighborhoods began in the early eighties and continues. Our residential community is improving as owners recognize and preserve the beauty and value of their buildings. The commercial corridors provide an opportunity for commercial and retail development in a densely populated, historic setting.