The Lincoln Square Neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois

The Lincoln Square neighborhood is located on the North side of Chicago, Illinois and was officially designated by its official name by the City of Chicago in 1925. Greater Lincoln Square covers the smaller neighborhoods of Ravenswood Manor, Ravenswood Gardens, Budlong Woods and Bowmanville. The houses in the neighborhood are a mix of small apartment buildings and private homes. The population in the area has historically been German influenced, though now there is a mix of Thai and Middle Eastern culture in the neighborhood as well.

In its early days, people were drawn to the area because of its greenery and location away from the more densely populated neighborhoods of Chicago. When the first European settlers arrived in the 1800's, they made their settlements within the forests and prairies outside of the main city. The Chicago Fire of 1871 resulted in more people moving into the area to build wooden homes, because in the city, wood dwellings were prohibited because of fire codes. As a result, those who could not afford to build homes of brick and stone, moved to areas on the outskirts of the city.

In the late 1800's, realtors sensed the area was growing, at which time they bought up large parcels of land for minimal prices. The same realtors and investors then were the financial backers for bringing the "L'' train into Ravenswood. The train became the most popular form of transportation and it is estimated some 10,000 people rode it on a daily basis. As a result of the train, people began moving into the city at a rapid rate and Lincoln Square experienced a population surge.

As the area grew, Lincoln Square drew in record numbers of German immigrants. The neighborhood contains a large number of German businesses such as the Chicago Brauhaus, Merz Apothecary, Lutz International Cafy and Niedersachsen Club. The German influence can still be felt by the businesses, architecture and public art located throughout the neighborhood.

In 1978, the City of Chicago began a series of renovations that transformed the area. Traffic was redirected, the old postal building was torn down and a new one was erected, the Chicago Transit Authority modernized and expanded the "L'' and several parking lots were added. The most notable addition was the creation of Giddings Plaza, which was designed as a community space for local events.

The city has more recently replaced the aging street fixtures and park furnishings and paved the streets and parking lots. Now even after many years, Lincoln Square is undergoing renewed interest and more people are moving into and visiting the area. Lincoln Square is known as a place that still offers the advantages it did several years ago, the neighborhood is quiet, peaceful and family friendly.