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The History of the Oak Street District in Gold Coast Chicago

The History of the Oak Street District in Gold Coast Chicago

As a luxury Chicago experience, the Oak Street District is unparalleled. Its luxury accommodations and unmatched fine dining are nestled in a unique luxury shopping and service district, featuring the most exquisite boutique shops, high-end salon and spa experiences, and the world’s most sought-after fashion houses. This unequaled experience was curated through the rich history of the Gold Coast area of Chicago, and today we celebrate that history as we look forward to an exciting future.



As the city of Chicago developed, one wealthy entrepreneur, Potter Palmer, chose to develop an area just to the north of the business district. Palmer was a wealthy dry goods merchant who built a stunning Gold Coast mansion in the area in 1875. The 42-room mansion took up an entire city block and required a full 26 servants to manage. The Palmer Mansion was home to Mrs. Palmer’s impressive collection of impressionist paintings and served as an exclusive venue for the city’s most lavish celebrations – guest lists included US presidents and sought-after foreign dignitaries.



The mansion was sold in 1928 and converted to an art gallery. After a subsequent sale in 1933, the property was vacant until it was demolished in 1950 to construct a high-rise apartment building.



Palmer’s insightful vision for and investment in the Gold Coast created a huge demand for high-end luxury development in the area, and soon the neighborhoods were filled with impressive residences with stunning, award-winning architecture as well as landmark luxury hotel properties and extravagant shopping experiences.



Today, many of those unique, award-winning structures have been reimagined into modern, luxurious hotel accommodations and boutique shopping experiences here in the Oak Street District. Chicago’s Gold Coast is now the second wealthiest neighborhood in the US and has been registered with the National Register of Historic Places since 1980. Its rich, magnificent history is apparent as you stroll along the charming streets of the district, marvel at the magnificent architecture, and enjoy an exquisite Chicago experience with the finest in luxury dining, shopping, and accommodations.



As we move toward recovery from the challenging year behind us, we at the Oak Street District know that the strength of our heritage remains steadfast, as does our unwavering commitment to providing you with the enchanting Chicago experience you’ve come to love.



The Oak Street District is located in the heart of the downtown area, just steps away from Michigan Avenue. Oak Street District is the premier destination for exceptional boutique shopping at the world’s most sought-after fashion houses, superb fine dining, luxury accommodations, and exquisite high-end salon and spa experiences, curated into the finest luxury Chicago experience just for you.


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