BASICS:

The Chicago neighborhoods of Ukrainian Village and Wicker Park are part of the northwest area of the city known as West Town.

Bounded by Ashland, Division, Damen & Chicago, East Ukrainian Village is a neighborhood in which century-old housing is constantly being redeveloped and renovated, so much so, that many have taken to referring to it as simply "East Village."

The community is comprised of a lovely blend of tree-lined streets, apartments, rejuvenated houses and flats. The Blue Line and Metra are only a few blocks away, shopping and dining establishments are in constant development, and this is all just 10 minutes from the Chicago's downtown.

On the streets, in the churches, in homes and shops, Ukrainian and Polish are spoken. Chicago Poles refer to the area as Helenowo, after the Polish Roman Catholic anchor parish of the neighborhood (St. Helen's).

HOUSING:

Real Estate is distinct in the Ukrainian village. Here there are extremely well preserved collection of workers cottages, two- and three-flats, single family residences, and large apartment buildings.

The early influential Chicago real estate developer William D. Kerfoot developed nearly one out of every three of the buildings in the district. He was the first real estate developer to reestablish his business after the Great Fire in 1871. These unpretentious residences feature distinguished workmanship and finely crafted details.

Ukrainian Village community is well known for maintaining its historical buildings, streets, and backyards in excellent condition. The Ukrainian Village has become an attractive target for real estate in the recent years. The city's look is now gradually changing because of the ongoing extensive renovations and redevelopments. Modern architects are making an effort to construct new houses while maintaining the general style of the Ukrainian Village.

LOCATION:

Ukrainian Villages boundaries are on the north: 1200 N. Division; on the south: 500 N. Grand; on the east: 2000 W. Damen; and on the west: 2400 W. Western.

HISTORY:

The first Ukrainian residents were attracted to the area by the Holy Trinity Cathedral, built in 1903. It has been the focal point of the neighborhood ever since.

But the Ukrainian Village is more than just Ukrainian. This area contains an excellent cross-section of residential building types that provides a visual history of immigration settlement on Chicago's Near West Side. Together, they form an important residential streetscape, which tells the story of German, Polish, and Ukrainian immigrants who settled in the area throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The Ukrainian Village district was designated a Chicago Landmark on December 4, 2002.

DINING & SHOPPING:

The Ukrainian Village offers truly unique dining experience. One can enjoy authentic Ukrainian cuisine at traditional restaurants, and also get the bohemian feel of a great number of coffee shops and cafes. Most of the bars and lounges have a laid-back and casual atmosphere. Guests of the town and its residents enjoy spending time at delicatessen shops, which are usually located around churches and offer an exquisite variety of Polish deli items.

Ukrainian Village is also known for following the latest fashions and trends, and offers a great shopping experience to guests and residents.

EVENTS:

The Annual Bloor West Village Ukrainian Festival happens in late August each year. It is the largest Ukrainian festival in North America and more than 300,000 people attend. There are refreshment gardens serving Canadian and Ukrainian beer, vodka, champagne and lots of perogies! There are evening street dances, several interactive pavilions for the whole family, over 50 craft and exhibit kiosks in the 'yarmarok' market, and a children's midway all weekend long, and much more.

ZIP CODE:

The zip code for Chicago's Ukranian Village neighborhood is 60622.