The ritzy Gold Coast features some of the most sought-after and pricey real estate in the city, and is home to Chicago's wealthiest residents, including celebrities and public figures. Historic architecture and trendy shopping areas abound, yet much of the neighborhood remains quite cozy and quiet.
The Gold Coast boomed in 1885, when Potter Palmer (owner of the Palmer House hotel) erected an imaginative castle on Lake Shore Drive, inspiring a flood of upper-echelon families to move into the area. Unlike many of Chicago's neighborhoods, the Gold Coast has never experienced a substantial decline, and now is known for its many attractions, including the Magnificent Mile, the Historic Water Tower and Water Tower Place, Ohio Street Beach, and the John Hancock Center.
Other celebrated destinations include the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Terra Museum of American Art, and the Chicago Children's Museum. The cultural vibe gives way to a rather more "festive" quality in the vicinity of Rush and Division, which boasts some of Chicago's rowdiest nightlife. Despite a decided touristy vibe around Michigan Avenue, the Gold Coast maintains its old-money stature on the side streets.
Streeterville has one of the more curious origins of any Chicago neighborhood. Once nothing but a giant sandbar, Streeterville was born when George Wellington "Cap" Streeter ran his boat aground during an stormy Lake Michigan sailing trip, and, unable to dislodge his boat, he simply decided to live there. Soon the area was a shantytown bridging the Loop and the Gold Coast.
Streeterville is home to Navy Pier, Chicago's largest tourist destination, with its Ferris Wheel, IMAX Theatre, carousel, convention hall, shops, and boat cruises. The Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows can also be found at Navy Pier.
Fun Facts
- The 645-foot Lake Point Tower, designed by Mies van der Rohe, is the sole Chicago skyscraper east of Lake Shore Drive. Every residence in the building has a view of Lake Michigan.
- Chicago's oldest business still in existence is C.D. Peacock Jewelers. It was founded in 1837, the same year Chicago became a city.
- The Museum of Contemporary Art moved to its new location in 1996 – it was the first new museum building constructed in Chicago in 60 years.
