General Info
University Village and Little Italy are two separate neighborhoods with distinct qualities located adjacent to each other, just southwest of downtown Chicago. When combined they form what was one of the first neighborhoods in Chicago, the Maxwell Street neighborhood.
University Village was more recently renamed to reflect its influence from the nearby University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). The medical district consists of several medical campuses for various universities also in the area.
During the 1920’s Maxwell Street became known as the birthplace of Chicago Blues which began as street-corner based music. Also at that time, an area local named Jim created the famous Maxwell St Polish at the original Jim’s Hot Dog Stand on Maxwell.
CRD Tip: Although Jim’s has moved to Roosevelt Rd its still worth the wait for a signature Polish or Chicago style dog and fries.
Today, residents head over to Halsted/Maxwell St, to enjoy independent shops mixed with popular, big name retailers and chain restaurants. Brand new residential and retail have been built adjacent to older buildings, reflecting the neighborhood’s history as well as its growth.
Little Italy is also a small neighborhood based around its main drag, Taylor St. Although small, the neighborhood is full of Chicago history beginning in the 1850’s when Italians began arriving in the area, thus earning its name. During prohibition in the 1920’s the Genna crime family brought fame to the area by producing illegal alcohol in their warehouse on Taylor St. Today on Taylor you will find primarily restaurants: authentic Italian, sandwich shops and gelato stands. Little Italy is also home to the Hull House, which was founded in 1889 by Jane Addams. The Hull house is a social and human service agency helping over 60,000 Chicagoans a year.
Both the University Village and Little Italy are rich historical communities with diverse populations. Because of their proximity to universities as well as downtown, these neighborhoods have become significantly gentrified in recent years. Property values have gone up, and new buildings continue to be built. These neighborhoods will continue to attract college students and young families, while still remaining home to the families and older people who have lived in this area for years.
Getting Around
The Blue Line has a stop at UIC-Halsted.
Local buses are: Halsted (8), Roosevelt (12), 16th-18th (18), Blue Island/26th (60), and Streeterville/Taylor (157).
The Greyhound bus station is located nearby at Harrison and Jefferson.
For times and additional travel information, please visit www.transitchicago.com
University Village/Little Italy Links:
Greyhound Bus
The Hull House
University of Illinois: UIC
Jim’s Hot Dog Stand
Neighborhood Guide
Featured Properties - University Village/Little Italy
