Gold Coast

Gold Coast first rose after the Great Chicago Fire. In 1882, millionaire Potter Palmer moved there from the south side neighborhood of Prairie Avenue.

The Palmer Mansion was designed by Henry Ives Cobb and Charles Sumner Frost and added 42 rooms to the reclaimed swampy area that became Lake Shore Drive. Other wealthy Chicagoans followed Potter into the area, which grew into one of the city's richest neighborhoods.

From historic row homes to upscale high-rises, the Gold Coast is a peaceful, well-preserved retreat in downtown Chicago. Its tree-lined streets host many of the city's most prestigious homes, and residents enjoy superior access to Lake Michigan.

Its calm, neighborly atmosphere is complemented by some more contemporary condo towers, such as those on Oak and Rush Streets, and its bustling commercial districts can be found along Division and Division Streets.

Whether it's fine dining or world-class shopping, Chicago's Gold Coast historical district has something for everyone. Oak Street beach becomes a popular destination during the summer months when residents go swimming in Lake Michigan and having lunch at the beach cafe. Oak Street features some of the city's most upscale shopping, including: Hermes, Barney, Jimmy Choo, Tory Burch, and more. A must-see in the neighborhood is Restoration Hardware, a six story building built in 1914 with six floors of shopping, a coffee shop, a pastry shop, a roof top park, a performance stage, and a wine bar.

Among the many restaurants in the area, you can find the original Gibsons Bar and Steakhouse and newer, trendy restaurants like Maple and Ash & Adalina. The Gold Coast is home to a wide range of popular restaurants, including Nico Osteria, Le Colonial and Blue Door Kitchen and Garden.