Gentrification

Growing up in the suburbs I was not able to see gentrification slowly take hold but rather I have seen it more or less drastically change a particular location. Two parts of Chicago that I can specifically remember having gentrified since I have lived in the Chicagoland area (summer of 1997) are Wicker Park and Pilsen.

Wicker Park has obviously been gentrifying for quite a while now due to its location (near the Kennedy Expressway and served by the Damen Blue Line). I cannot speak for its state prior to 2003 but I have noticed that in the past few years independent businesses are giving way to either higher-scale businesses (high-end clothing boutiques) as well as to chain stores (Urban Outfitters, a bank where a coffee shop used to stand). The population has changed noticeably to include many more young urban professionals.

Pilsen is a location that is changing ever more rapidly, particularly the portions to the North (just south of the 16th St. viaduct). The first time I was ever in Pilsen in 1998 I remember it being dingy and dirty. These days, new condominium complexes are constantly going up and old two-flats are being remodeled and replaced. The ethnic character is changing as well, for every time I venture into Pilsen I see many more white people (apparently most are art students) than I ever would have a few years ago. However, Pilsen is still in the midst of change and remains a Mexican community for the most part, just as it was a Bohemian neighborhood prior to that.