Near North Side, Urban district in Chicago, United States
Near North Side is an urban district north of the Chicago River, extending to the shore of Lake Michigan. The area includes residential towers, commercial buildings, and green spaces along the waterfront.
The first permanent settlers arrived in the late 18th century when Jean Baptiste Point du Sable established a trading post here. The district grew rapidly after the Great Fire of 1871, attracting businesses and residents.
River North houses the largest concentration of art galleries in North America outside of Manhattan, with more than 100 exhibition spaces. Most galleries open their doors to visitors on weekends and during monthly exhibition openings.
Several CTA train stations and bus routes connect the district to other parts of the city. Water taxis offer an additional way to reach downtown from the river.
Old Town hosts the second-oldest improv theater in the United States, The Second City, where many well-known comedians began their careers. The stage has shaped comedy performances since the 1950s.
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