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Graceland West
is a uniquely quiet and lush residential area no more than ½ mile by
¼ mile in size and close to lots of action. Located between Irving
Park, Clark, Montrose and Ashland Avenues, it is nestled between the
more well known neighborhoods of Lakeview, Lincoln Park,
Wrigleyville, Andersonville, Ravenswood, Lincoln Square, Uptown, and
the trendy Southport Avenue area.
Named for its proximity to the
beautiful and historic Graceland Cemetery, it is a gem full of
gracious homes and beautiful parks and landscaping. Settled from
the 1870s to early 1900’s, around the Sulzer mansion (now owned by a
famous movie actress), Graceland West was developed into a welcoming
residential neighborhood. The original 1870’s real estate marketing
materials boasted a retreat away from the hubbub of the city: in the
country where tall evergreens reign. But now, at 5 miles from the
“zero” point of the downtown Chicago, it is conveniently located in
the center of Chicago’s north side.
Access and
convenience are watchwords of the Graceland West area; there is
plenty of easy, safe parking and great access to the city and sights
via buses and frequent taxicabs passing on the neighborhood’s
perimeter roads, as well as the nearby Brown Line CTA train.
The namesake attraction is
Graceland Cemetery, established in 1860. This park-like setting
features monuments designed by notable sculptors and architects
honoring many of Chicago's most prominent early citizens: Marshall
Field, Potter Palmer, Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, Mies van der
Rohe and George Pullman, among others. Tours are offered weekly, in
season. Also, in the neighborhood is Warner Park and Gardens, a
community park with a charming gazebo and flower lined walk.
A wide variety of other
entertainment/cultural establishments are within a short cab or bus
ride. Tons of restaurants and city-wide attractions such as the
Mercury Theatre (live) and the Music Box movie-theater which offers
a wide range of foreign, art and avante garde films are only a half
mile away in the trendy Southport Avenue neighborhood. Even closer
are several fine eating establishments featuring Mediterranean,
Contemporary Italian, Philippine, Mexican and Chicago Style
Barbecue, as well as an assortment of eclectic dining opportunities. |
