Gold Coast Historic District
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Location | Roughly bounded by North Ave., Lake Shore Dr., Clark and Oak Sts., Chicago, Illinois |
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Coordinates | |
Added to NRHP | January 30, 1978 |
The Gold Coast Historic District is a historic district in Chicago, Illinois. Part of Chicago’s Near North Side community area, it is roughly bounded by North Avenue, Lake Shore Drive, Oak Street, and Clark Street.
The Gold Coast neighborhood grew in the wake of the Great Chicago Fire. In 1882, millionaire Potter Palmer moved to the area from the Prairie Avenue neighborhood on the city’s south side. He filled in a swampy area which later became Lake Shore Drive, and built the Palmer Mansion, a forty-two room castle-like structure designed by Henry Ives Cobb and Charles Sumner Frost. Other wealthy Chicagoans followed Potter into the neighborhood, which became one of the richest in Chicago.
The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
The nearby East Lake Shore Drive District and parts of northern Streeterville and the Magnificent Mile near the lake also may be considered part of the Gold Coast , even if not technically in the historic designation. The mayor’s office map extends the Gold Coast south to the area of Northwestern University’s Chicago campus.
As of 2011, Gold Coast ranks as the seventh-richest urban neighborhood in the United States with a median household income of $153,358.
Take Me To Oak Street
The Gold Coast is a luxury consumers haven and Oak Street is the destination for high-end shopping. The shops youll pass by as you cruise down the block of Oak Street between Michigan Avenue and Rush Street are mind-boggling. Grab your wallet or best window-shopping shoes and lay your eyes upon: Tom Ford, Christian Louboutin, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Harry Winston and Hermès, just to name a few.
Venture just south of Oak Street along Rush to Walton to find even more retail treasures like Versace and Dior. If those luxury brands arent exactly your speed, no worries. More attainable brands call this shopping district home too. Im talking about Lululemon, Patagonia, Madewell, Frye, Warby Parker and Athleta. Take my money, guys!
Oak Street is also a paradise for brides-to-be. Grab your squad and visit the five bridal shops in just a one-block radius. Whether at iconic Vera Wang Bride or newcomer BHLDN, I promise youll have a fairytale-like day being pampered by the pros.
What Is The Viagra Triangle
Within the Gold Coast you will find an area that locals call the Viagra Triangle. This triangular section of the Gold Coast where State Street, Oak Street, and Rush Street form a triangle is where you can find restaurants like Gibsons, Hugos, and Tavern on Rush where older gentlemen are known to hang out and look for younger women.
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Best Blind Date: Sparrow
Did you swipe right? Take a deep breath and prepare to meet your future spouse at Sparrow. This place is perfect for a quick cocktail, or several slow sippers if the night goes well. Located on the corner of State and Elm, its adorably ideal for a date night. Sparrow is small, but not too small. Dim, but not dark. Always busy but not too loud. There arent any televisions playing ESPN and they dont serve food so theres no pressure of eating a whole meal with a stranger.
Dont be fooled by Sparrows unassuming exterior this place is a hidden treasure!
Early Dinner And Drinks

Dinner options abound in this neighborhood, so haul your shopping bags to the bar and recover a bit with delicious drinks and food. Carmines offers classic Italian food a Chicago staple. Luxbar describes itself as a quintessential American bar, fully stocked with food options and cocktails. Its all about the vibe at the gorgeous 3 Arts Club Cafe, located inside Restoration Hardware. And The Drake hotel is a nice spot for dinner and drinks at the historic Coq dOr, offering supper club fare and Prohibition-era Chicago cocktails.
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Find Your Dream Gold Coast Apartment
Although Gold Coast is definitely one of the pricier areas of Chicago, its also incredibly fun to live there. The sights and attractions you can experience every day are one-of-a-kinds.
Luckily, you dont need to overpay on rent if youre looking for an apartment to rent in Gold Coast Chicago. All you need for a chance to lower your rent is a rental negotiation site like Brixbid.
Brixbid lets you find the best Gold Coast apartments, and directly make an offer to the landlord. Its an easy and straightforward way to negotiate your rent in Chicago. Get all the glitz and glam of Gold Coast Chicago at a negotiated price when you browse apartments on Brixbid.
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International Museum Of Surgical Science
For a quieter stop along your bustling Gold Coast adventure, take a tour of the beautiful International Museum of Surgical Science.
Founded in 1935 as the International College of Surgeons, this museum showcases life-size statues of some of the most prominent surgeons and physicians from the past, as well as a curious mix of surgical equipment and medical displays.
Best Upscale: Maple And Ash
Never been to Maple and Ash? Go! Located on State and Maple, this modern and chic restaurant touts itself as a steakhouse and yes, the steak is fabulous. But, its so much more. First and foremost, the service cannot be beaten. This place feels a little fancy, but the staff is so welcoming that you immediately feel right at home. Reserve a table at Maple and Ash for a special occasion and go all out with cocktails, one of the butchers reserve steaks and of course, a big old slice of chocolate cake.
Maple and Ash gives you an authentic dining experience and to-die-for-bites, plate after plate.
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Gold Coast Chicago Apartment Buildings: Studio 1 Br 2 Br
In the late 1980s, Gold Coast was America’s second most affluent neighborhood, second to only Manhattans Upper East Side. The high desire of this location led to many newer developments in the years to follow, such as the N Astor St condominiums as well as many of the high-rise, luxury apartments in the Chicago, Il 60610 area codethe section that borders Lake Michigan. These include 1350 North Lake Shore Drive. Move a bit further from the coastline and you will still find luxury like the comfortably carpeted 65 East Scott St. However, Gold Coast apartments aren’t all new. Much of this neighborhood’s historical value has been preserved thanks to the apartment buildings that have been revamped and repurposed.
The Bush Temple exemplifies this concept by intertwining luxury living while conserving Chicago’s history. This eye-catching French Revival building that once held the Bush & Gerts Piano Company was given new life in 2017 with renovations to create 101 units, a fitness center, and a 6th floor roof lounge that includes a pool. Inside, the lobby is equally as luxurious and alluring with a spacious layout that offers co-working spaces, plush seating, and a health food shop.
Old Chicago Water Tower Building
Located in the heart of the neighborhood, right on the Magnificent Mile, theOld Chicago Water Tower is a stunning and historic Gold Coast sight. Put into use in 1896, this is the second oldest water tower in the United States.
Today, you can tour the gallery inside that houses the work of local artists and photographers. This historic Gold Coast building is also home to theLookingglass Theatre. This playhouse is an ensemble-based theater company thats won many awards over the years. Check out their schedule and book seats for their next play.
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Public Transit To Gold Coast In Chicago
Wondering how to get to Gold Coast in Chicago, United States? Moovit helps you find the best way to get to Gold Coast with step-by-step directions from the nearest public transit station.
Moovit provides free maps and live directions to help you navigate through your city. View schedules, routes, timetables, and find out how long does it take to get to Gold Coast in real time.
Looking for the nearest stop or station to Gold Coast? Check out this list of stops closest to your destination: Clark & Elm State & Maple Division & Clark Chicago Clark/Division.
You can get to Gold Coast by Bus, Chicago ‘L’ or Train. These are the lines and routes that have stops nearby -Bus: 147, 151, 22, 3, 36, 70Train: ME, RI, UP-N, UP-NWChicago ‘L’: RED LINE
Want to see if theres another route that gets you there at an earlier time? Moovit helps you find alternative routes or times. Get directions from and directions to Gold Coast easily from the Moovit App or Website.
We make riding to Gold Coast easy, which is why over 930 million users, including users in Chicago, trust Moovit as the best app for public transit. You dont need to download an individual bus app or train app, Moovit is your all-in-one transit app that helps you find the best bus time or train time available.
For information on prices of Bus, Chicago ‘L’ and Train, costs and ride fares to Gold Coast, please check the Moovit app.
Museum Of Contemporary Art

This museum has a collection that includes painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, installation, performance, and moving image and sound spanning from 1920 to today. In addition to their permanent collection, MCA hosts a wide range of traveling exhibitions some of which are hugely popular and require purchasing tickets in advance .
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What To Do In Gold Coast
Whether you’re in the mood for some relaxation, retail therapy, or an adventure, the Gold Coast is the place to go. This Chicago neighborhood is a book lover’s haven with an array of bookshops and cozy coffee shops in the area, as well as the historic Newberry Library. Just outside of the library, Washington Square is the perfect place to delve into your latest read under a shady tree while enjoying a bit of fresh air. It is also home to the iconic Victorian Fountain, which is bursting with color in the summer months thanks to its stunning landscaping. Other options for a bit of relaxation are the many spas in the area, such as the Four Seasons Hotel on E Delaware Pl. Other options include The Waldorf Astoria Spa and Pause Massage. Longing for a day of shopping after some relaxation? The Magnificent Mile awaits with an assortment of high-end shops and boutiques. Plus, lunch will be ready when you are with an array of restaurants in the area.
As day fades to night, the fun doesn’t stop. Rush Street bars are notorious in the Gold Coast, but Division St is also great for bar hopping. If you want to kick back, The Lodge Tavern is a local watering hole that offers games, a jukebox, and TVs. Prefer something more upbeat? Try She-nannigans just across W Division Sta sports bar by day and a dance club by night! Head further toward E Division St and you’ll stumble across other popular venues, like Primary Nightclub and Detention Nightclub.
Dine Out In Luxury Or On A Budget
Gold Coast in Chicago is all about going out. Whether you want a fancy night out or a quick meal on a budget, you have plenty of options here.
Somerset is a great example of the swanky restaurants in the area. Enjoy high-end American cuisine with a magnificent atmosphere. If youre into seafood and fancy restaurants, Nicos Osteria has you covered.
But, dining out in Gold Coast doesnt have to break the bank. Lou Malnatis Pizzeria is one of the oldest restaurants that serves Chicagos greatest pride: deep-dish pizza. Come here for an authentic Chicago experience worthy of Gold Coast.
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Everything You Should Know About Living In Gold Coast Chicago
November 14th, 2018by Gabrielle Gresge.
If you are looking for a thriving neighborhood that balances charming character with luxury living, then consider living in Gold Coast Chicago.
This historic neighborhood, nestled along Lake Michigan just north of downtown Chicago, is one of the citys most affluent areas, rich in history and boasting some of the greatest dining, shopping, and living.
Before finding your dream home in this vibrant neighborhood, here is everything you need to know about living in Gold Coast Chicago.
The Ultimate Guide To Chicagos Gold Coast Neighborhood
If youve spent time in downtown Chicago you know it has a magical quality to it you wont find anywhere else. The lake, the shopping, the parks, the art, the river, and omg, the food they all come together to create an atmosphere thats one-of-a-kind.
Each neighborhood has its own magic qualities too, but only one makes you feel like youre walking through a fairytale. Its Chicagos Gold Coast and itll capture your heart.
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Second City Classic Food Tour
Eat your way through the Gold Coast restaurants on this classic food tour offered byChicago Food Planet. The tour stops by six of the best restaurants and eateries in the Gold Coast area for a sampling of what each location built its reputation on.
Youll get to explore historic Mom & Pop specialty food shops like Old Jerusalem, Tea Gschwendner, and The Fudge Pot to indulge in some of Chicagos classic and iconic dishes at Lou Malnatis, Corcorans Grill & Pub, and more!
You may even get a chance to meet some of the best chefs in the area while learning more about their craft. While at Tea Gschwendner, theyll help you spice up your life with its samplings of tea from around the world.
Designed by foodies for both beginners and gourmands, this culinary experience is ideal for anybody interested in experiencing the life of a local Chicagoan as you stroll the bustling tree-lined streets of the celebrated Near North neighborhoods and learn about Chicagos storied past and eccentric contemporary culture.
What Is The Gold Coast Historic District In Chicago
The Gold Coast Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 in order to highlight and preserve the areas history.
This historic district is located in the Near North Side of Chicago, roughly bounded by North Avenue, Lake Shore Drive, Oak Street, and Lake Street. The neighborhood boasts a deep history, dating back all the way to the early 1800s.
Gold Coast Historic District gained an early reputation of affluence and luxury. To this day it maintains this prestige, ranking as one of the most expensive areas of Chicago, as well as the 7th richest urban areas in America with a median household income of $153,358.
The neighborhood has a history of housing some of the citys most influential and affluent people, including J.B. Pritzker, Vince Vaughn, and Lori Greiner.
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The Best Gold Coast Shopping
The Gold Coast is by far one of the citys best spot to shop till you drop. This neighborhood does not lack in designer stores and luxury boutiques.
Stroll along Oak Street to find some of the citys most upscale shopping. Here you can stop by Hermes, Barney, Jimmy Choo, Tory Burch, and more.
Take part in the Oak Street Stroll, running from July through September. Every third Thursday of the month grab a friend and enjoy a glass of wine while browsing the seasons best finds. It doesnt get much better than that.
Mark your calendars for a full afternoon of shopping at Restoration Hardware Showroom, located on Dearborn and Goethe Street. This early-20th-century landmark now boasts an elegant five-floor retail store, featuring the worlds leading luxury home furnishings. Even if you dont leave the store with a purchase, you will be sure to leave with interior design inspiration for your dream home. In between exploring the multiple floors, stop by the gorgeous cafe for a bite to eat or catch a local artist in the showrooms very own music venue.
Gold Coast also provides easy access to Michigan Avenue, one of the most famous shopping districts in the country. The Magnificent Mile is packed with more than 460 retailers, from luxury boutiques in Water Tower Place to some of the worlds most exclusive designers. You will also find the stunning Old Chicago Water Tower, the countrys second-oldest water tower.
Best Bar Food: Hopsmith Tavern

So, Gold Coast is, well, kinda fancy, but sometimes you just want bar food. Pop into Hopsmith Tavern, on Division between Dearborn and State, and get ready for a pleasant surprise they are so much more than nachos and wings. Okay, yes, there are nachos , but youve got to try their out-of-the-bar-food-box dishes. Order up one of their ten different kinds of tacos and you will not be disappointed. Hit up their weekend brunch too, and nosh on fresh donuts right out of the fryer.
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