East Lake Shore Drive District

The East Lake Shore Drive District is a historic area along Lake Michigan in Chicago containing eight pre-war residential buildings. These structures form a continuous facade featuring European architectural elements right along the waterfront.

The buildings were constructed in the early 1900s and designed by the architectural firm Marshall & Fox. The district received Chicago Landmark status in the early 1980s, recognizing these structures as historically important.

The name refers to its position along the eastern shoreline promenade, a location of significance for wealthy residents from the early 1900s onward. The buildings shape how people perceive this waterfront area as a symbol of refined living connected to Chicago's past.

The area is home to private residences and can be explored from outside along the waterfront pathway. Access to the buildings themselves is not available to visitors without permission since they are privately owned.

The district has maintained its original architectural composition and is one of the few waterfront areas without interruptions from modern buildings. This continuity makes it a rare example of a cohesive historical waterfront zone preserved in the city.

Location: Chicago

GPS coordinates: 41.90070,-87.62190

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:55