Skyline of Uptown, looking northeast
Uptown is a diverse neighborhood located north of Chicago's downtown. Being one of Chicago’s 77 community areas, Uptown has officially defined boundaries. They are: Foster on the north; Lake Michigan on the east; Montrose (Ravenswood to Clark), and Irving Park (Clark to Lake Michigan) on the south; Ravenswood (Foster to Montrose), and Clark (Montrose to Irving Park) on the west.
Uptown has a dual meaning, it can either represent the neighborhood or the community area. Many who live in the community area do not consider their neighborhood to be Uptown. Examples include the low-density neighborhood of Buena Park and on the west, Sheridan Park which "feels" more like the adjacent Ravenswood.
The historical, cultural, and commercial center of Uptown is Broadway. In 1900 the Northwestern Elevated Railroad constructed its terminal near Montrose and Broadway (now part of the CTA Red Line). This may be where the neighborhood gets its name since it was the terminal of the rail line that led north from the center of the city. For a time, all northbound trains from downtown ended in Uptown. From here Uptown became known as an entertainment destination. The Aragon Ballroom, Riviera Theater, Uptown Theater, and Green Mill are all located within a half block of Lawrence and Broadway. Uptown is also home to one of Chicago's most celebrated final resting spots, Graceland Cemetery.
Uptown is currently gentrifying and the future of its most noticeable characteristic, diversity, is in question.
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