My favorite hidden public place? The Alta Vista Terrace Historic District
Many of Chicagoland’s most cherished public spaces are tucked away in the hearts of neighborhoods, known only to a lucky few. This summer, the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) and Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) want to shine a spotlight on these special places across Chicagoland through the “What Makes Your Place Great? Your Secret Corner of Chicagoland” contest.
From June 2 through July 26, 2010, entrants can e-mail original photos or videos showcasing their favorite undiscovered public places across Chicagoland, along with a 250-word-or-less description, to placemakingchicago@metroplanning.org. The four chosen winners will win a prize package that includes passes to the Brookfield Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, Chicago History Museum, or CAF – and the chance to be featured in a CAF tour this fall.
To get your creative juices flowing, MPC staff will be profiling their favorite spaces throughout the summer. To enter your own favorite space, read the complete contest guidelines atplacemakingchicago.com.
Walking through Lakeview’s Alta Vista Terrace Historic District is like taking a trip into a community that exists in the past. You get the feeling that the neighbors who live within the 40 row houses on this single Chicago block are actually members of one extended family who gather on the shady sidewalk each evening to share the day’s experiences, and supervise their children playing in the street without the threat of traffic interrupting their games. Even though it is only one block north of Wrigley Field, there’s a certain hush on the street that adds to its idyllic feel that is so rarely found in the heart of a city the size of Chicago.
I discovered Alta Vista Terrace a decade ago completely by accident as I was walking home from a friend’s apartment. Now I try to incorporate the block into my walking or biking route whenever possible. It gives me a sense of peace and makes me smile. I also love showing visitors the Terrace’s neat rows of connected homes that look as if they were dropped onto Chicago’s north side from a London movie set, satisfied that I introduced them to this hidden gem of a street. I’ve even dreamed of owning one of these landmark residences, but for now I’m content just passing through whenever possible.
