Prairie Avenue District and Motor Row

This week we are heading south to two historic neighborhoods - the Prairie Avenue District and Motor Row. Both are filled with Chicago Landmarks, on the National Registry of Historic Places and of such interest you will want to explore them and enjoy all the free things to do and see. These adjacent neighborhoods run from Roosevelt Road (12th Street) on the north to 25th Street on the south. Lake Michigan on the east and Michigan Avenue on the west. 

PRAIRIE AVENUE DISTRICT 

Originally this was part of a Native American trail linking Fort Dearborn which was built on the Chicago River where Michigan Avenue is today (1/29/2016 post) and another military installation in Indiana called Fort Wayne. During the War of 1812 the Native Americans aligned with the British and planned to capture Fort Dearborn. During their escape attempt, the residents of the Fort got as far as what is now Prairie Avenue when they were over taken by the Native Americans. A plaque was erected in a park on what was believed to be the site of the conflict now referred to as "The Battle of Fort Dearborn" at 18th street and Calumet Avenue.

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One of the first homes built in this area was the Clark House. Since relocated to 1827 South Indiana the Greek Revival home was built in 1836 and today is the oldest home in Chicago. Free 1-hour guided tours are offered every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 1 PM (13:00) and 3 PM (15:00). I suggest you go on Wednesday so you can also take the other free guided tours in the area.


After the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 this area was settled by those millionaires who did not move north to the Gold Coast (3-4-2016 post) Instead some of Chicago's Who's Who moved south along a 6 block area between 16th and 22nd streets on and around Prairie Avenue. Among the Chicago elite who built their mansions there were Marshall Field (of department store fame), George Pullman (rail car manufacturer), Phillip Armour (meat packer), William W. Kimball (piano manufacturer). At one time more than 90 mansion stood here. Only a few of them remain today and they are worth seeing. One of the historic homes, the Glessner House can be toured for free.

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The Glessner House is right around the corner from the Clark House at 1800 South Prairie Avenue. When it was completed in 1887 the home was the talk of the town because of its unique, fortress-like stone exterior. Volunteer tour guides conduct free tours every Wednesday at 11:30 AM (11:30), 1 PM (13:00) and 2:30 PM (14:30). Donations are always appreciated. Many programs are offered throughout the year -some of them are free.

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Between the Clark and Glessner homes is the Women's Park and Gardens. Built to recognize the contributions women have made to Chicago. Among the tributes is the sculpture "Helping Hands' Jane Addams Memorial another in the Statue Stories Chicago series. Many free programs are offered in the park so check the website for all events.

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Self-guided tours of the area are enhanced by the signage along Prairie Avenue directing you to the homes that survived the wrecking ball and offering information about those that did not. 


Two other historic mansions still stand on this stretch of Prairie Avenue. The first is right across the street from the Glessner house.

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At 1801 South Prairie Avenue is the William Kimball mansion. This home dates to 1892 and today serves as the headquarters for the U.S. Soccer Federation.

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Marshall Field Sr. purchased a home down the street at 1919 South Prairie Avenue for his son Marshall Field Jr.

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Second Presbyterian Church stands at 1936 South Michigan Avenue. The church building dates to 1874 and is on the National Registry of Historic Places and was designated a Chicago Landmark. The church is known for its stained glass windows many attributed to Louis Comfort Tiffany. Friends of Historic Second Presbyterian Church provide free brochures for self-guided tour and offer free guided tours Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1-3 PM (13:00-15:00) and Sundays from noon to 1:15 PM (12:00-13:15). Donations are appreciated. 

Sounds of the South Loop is a concert series offered  at the church throughout the year. Some of these 60-minute concerts are free. Check their website for the list of concerts, dates and times and for student and senior discounts.

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MOTOR ROW

The 2nd historic neighborhood in the area is Motor Row. This district runs along South Michigan, Indiana and Wabash Avenues from the 1400 block to the 2500 block. This area was built up between 1905 and the 1930's and as its name implies was the place to buy, sell and repair automobiles. At its peak there were more than 100 different car dealers there. Only one is still operating today, but look carefully at the buildings and you will see many of the former car logos and names on the buildings. Ever heard of the "Locomobile" car company?

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Along this stretch of South Michigan Avenue stood the world-famous Chess Records recording studio, home to "America's greatest blues label". Today this landmarked building at 2120 South Michigan Avenue is home to the Blues Heaven Foundation. There is a $10 admission, but you can visit the gift shop where there is always something interesting to see and someone interesting to talk with.

Periodically the Blues Heaven Foundation launches a photo exhibit that are free to the public. The current exhibit is about The Who.

Next door to the Blues Heaven Foundation is the Willie Dixon's Blues Garden where free outdoor concerts are held during the summer. Donations are welcome. You can listen to music, listen to an audio history and take a virtual tour online.

Over the years this area became more industrial and it lost its millionaire appeal. Many of the old mansions were demolished and factories were erected. As the businesses failed or relocated, the empty buildings were either torn down and residential high rises were erected in their places or the buildings were repurposed and converted into loft condos. Most recently townhouses have been built to reflect a retro look. As a result Prairie Avenue and Motor Row have become highly desirable neighborhoods once again.

​Don't miss Prairie Avenue and Motor Row and all there is to do for free.

All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the websites to get the most up-to-date information. I went to acknowledge the invaluable assistance of fellow Chicago Greeter Bill Feldman for editing this edition of my blog. Thank you, Bill!
  
If you know of any free events in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at chicagofreeforall@gmail.com
 
Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (1/1/2016 post) at www.chicagogreeter.com
 
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Next week I’ll showcase another nearby Chicago neighborhood and all it has to offer that is free for all.

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