Mid-North District, Historical district in Lincoln Park, Chicago, United States
The Mid-North District is a historic neighborhood in Chicago containing brick row houses and residential buildings built mostly between the 1870s and 1890s. The area sits between Fullerton Avenue, Armitage Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, and Clark Street, displaying Italianate and Queen Anne architectural styles with ornamental cornices, arched windows, and varied decorative details on each building.
The district was rebuilt after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 during the following two decades with new residential construction. These structures survived and were officially designated as a Chicago Landmark in 1977, securing their protection for future generations.
The buildings here show how wealthy residents of the late 1800s built their homes, with careful stonework, arched doorways, and brick patterns that differ from house to house. Walking through the streets, you notice the care and attention given to each facade and entrance, revealing the taste and habits of the people who lived here.
The neighborhood is easy to explore on foot since the streets are laid out in a compact grid pattern, letting you move easily from one block to another. It is best to walk slowly and observe the details on building facades, as most structures have distinctive features visible from the street.
Two buildings stand out for their refined workmanship and design: the Cobden Apartments and the Benson Apartments display a level of craftsmanship that goes beyond typical residential construction of their era. These two structures reveal how aesthetic ambition was woven into the daily architecture of the neighborhood.
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