SOUTH SHORE

Neighborhood Map

The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) welcomes you to explore the vibrant and beautiful community of South Shore, located on the lakefront, 9 miles south of the Loop. The neighborhood grew up around the Illinois Central Railroad tracks and originally flourished around the 1893 Columbian Exposition.  Between the two world wars, it experienced a building boom as a result of the South Shore Country Club, which brought Chicago's affluence to the South Side.

In recent years, residents have fought to preserve the rich historical and architectural legacy and are actively working to create a community of the future.  These passionate and committed individuals want to share the story of their neighborhood with you.

The South Shore Chamber, Inc. is the primary program partner in the neighborhood.  In addition to the Chamber, CAF works in collaboration with the Black United Fund of Illinois (BUFI), ABJ Community Services and the 7th Ward Real Estate Committee. 

Celebrate the people, places, and historic buildings that make the South Shore community a true gem of Chicago's South Side. Take the tour >

CAF TEENS AT WORK

CAF has partnered with the Chicago Public Schools and the South Shore community on a summer internship program. Teens designed a storefront tour visitor’s center at 1831 E. 71st Street which will serve as the departure point for the South Shore tours. See the Tour Center>

PARTNERS

Neighborhood Voices is made possible with support from Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Bank of America, Northern Trust, the Illinois Humanities Council, and a generous donation in memory of Ted Peterson, chairman of the board of the Chicago Architecture Foundation, 1994-1995.