Hi Brad,

Ukranian Village is made up of Ukranian Village (2000-2400 W) and East Ukranian Village, often referred to as East Village (1600-2000 W). The neighborhood has seen a lot of development and not all of it has been welcome. Alderman Manny Flores has been responsible for working with local neighborhood groups to downzone many streets to allow Single Family Residences and the rehab of existing 2 flats rather than new construction of larger 3 unit condo buildings.
The northern edge of Ukranian Village along Division from a little west of Ashland to almost Western has seen an explosion of new nightlife spots and restaurants (facilitated by the reconstruction of sidewalks and street work completed in 2000). The wide sidewalks allow for restaurants to expand their seating during the summer months and create a vibrant feel during the evenings and at weekends.
Chicago Avenue is also experiencing renewed interest from business owners and the public at large as a shopping/entertainment destination.

All of this has increased walking traffic, created atmosphere and has helped impove neighborhood safety in the general area.

Also, copy and paste the following link for detailed information on Ukranian Village and the surrounding Neighborhoods.

http://www.centerstagechicago.com/neighborhoods/UkrainianVil…

Ken.

Thu Oct 18 2007, 01:08

Ukranian Village has European roots, hence the existence of some very cool ornate orthodox cathedrals. The architecture tends to lean towards bungalows and 2-flats. The community itself has an "old village" type of feel.

It is located next to Wicker Park, a pretty trendy area of Chicago, so you are very close to a variety of restaurants, nightlife, and art galleries.

Public transportation offers easy access to the Blue line and O'Hare, and a 10-minute commute to the Loop.

As for safety, there are definitely some rougher areas than others in Ukranian Village, even though it is an area of Chicago showing rapid gentrification (the whole West Town area, in fact, is showing signs of gentrification, especially closer to Wicker Park). Your best bet would be to stay closer to the Wicker Park boundaries.

So you have the boundaries clearly defined, the boundaries of Ukranian Village are: 500 N - 1200 N (Grand and Division) and 2000 W - 2400 W (Western and Damen)

Wicker Park boundaries are: 1200 N - 1600 N (Division and North) and 1600 W to 2400 W (Ashland and Western)

Mon Oct 15 2007, 21:58