Gold Coast

In the late 1800s, the Gold Coast was a retreat for the wealthiest of Chicago’s elite—one of the neighborhood's first structures was a “castle-like" mansion built by Potter Palmer, the millionaire owner of the Palmer House Hotel. The Gold Coast has remained one of Chicago's most affluent neighborhoods, and most historically significant.  Beautiful brownstones and other 19th century homes stand shoulder to shoulder with 20th century luxury townhomes and high-rises in the landmark Astor Street District and elsewhere in the neighborhood.  Other architectural notables include the Louis Sullivan-designed James Charnley House and historic Newberry Library, one of the world's leading research libraries.  Amid the rich history and beautiful architecture, Gold Coast storefronts represent some of the world's top designers and most recognizable brands, like Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, DKNY, Ralph Lauren and Rolex, and even showrooms for Porsche and Lamborghini.

The Gold Coast is an incredibly popular nightspot with plenty to offer visitors and locals. The very hip intersection of Division and Rush streets offers a little bit of everything, from established dive bars to some of Chicago’s trendiest nightclubs, perfect for people-watching and celebrity-spotting! Not to be missed is the tiny Underground Wonder Bar, a late-night spot that presents live music every night of the year. To top it all off, the neighborhood is a veritable treasure trove of restaurants with something for every palate and budget.  

Located throughout the city, Chicago Tribute Markers of Distinction celebrate notable Chicagoans by marking the places where they lived or worked. The Gold Coast has six markers commemorating philanthropists-entrepreneurs Bertha and Potter Palmer, architects Frank Lloyd Wright and John Wellborn Root, writer Irna Philips, social reformer Louise DeKoven Bowen, and newspaper editor/ publisher Robert McCormick.

Read, Learn, Discover at the Chicago Public Library. Search programming and event information at your neighborhood branch.