WORKERS COTTAGES OF OLDTOWN TRIANGLE - Walking Tour

Chicago has faced its fair share of adversity in its 184-year history, but the city has always risen from the ashes, both literally and figuratively. Its most remarkable renaissance came in the wake of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The inferno killed 300 people, left another 100,000 homeless, and cost a jaw-dropping $222 million (equivalent to $4.7 billion in 2020), but it also gave birth to a beautiful new city, built with brick and better than ever. 

Sadly, one iconic building style, the workers cottage, which flourished both before and after the Great Fire, has recently been falling victim to urban developers whose visions just don’t jive with historic lot sizes or bygone architectural styles. As demand grows for apartments and other higher-density housing, many of these humble dwellings are at risk of being razed.

This tour will show you many of these delightful cottages and the different styles they were designed and constructed in. Also, you will see some very rare instances where there are several in a row or in a few cases, an entire block of cottages on both sides of the street! Plus you will hear about some fascinating Chicago history that dates back 150 years and beyond!

I will meet you at our starting point in front of the rowhouse at 164 W. Eugenie St, Chicago IL 60614 and the tour ends near 216 West Menomonee Street Chicago IL, 60614.

This is one of my first tours to offer a VERY unique experience. While on the tour you will be able to follow along using your phone to see many historic and interior photos related to some stops, making this a one-of-a-kind, interactive tour experience like none other!

Here's how it works:

1. Download the FREE eATLAS app from the App Store or Google Play.

Click here for the eATLAS app in the Apple App Store

Click here for the eATLAS app in the Google Play Store

2. Create a FREE account on the app.

3. The day before the tour you will be emailed with a 100% discount code to enter so you can see the OLDTOWN photos in the app (PLEASE NOTE THIS IS FREE). If you have any problems with getting this set up I can help you just prior to the tour. I am always at the starting point early. This is not necessary to FULLY enjoy the tour so if you don't want to participate, no problem!

LEGAL NOTICE

RF Universal Productions, LLC., assumes no responsibility and hereby disclaims any legal or other liability for any personal injury, death, property damage, error or omission, or any other loss, damage, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity occasioned by any individual’s and/or entity’s contemplation of, or participation in, any of the walking tours offered by RF Universal Productions, LLC. This provision also applies to the cancellation or rescheduling of such tours by RF Universal Productions, LLC due to inclement weather or emergencies. RF Universal Productions, LLC takes every effort to ensure that the information contained in its promotional materials is correct. Please be aware that this information may unintentionally become out of date or inaccurate.

Bonus on this tour: Learn about the fascinating history of this extremely rare variegated row of 5 opulent Queen Anne and Second Empire style houses, designed by Norwegian architect Harold Hansen in 1886. Also, discover what was on this land before the rowhouses - hard to believe!

Bonus on this tour: Learn about this incredible one-block long, narrow street and all of the worldwide famous people that lived here as well as the rich history behind these dwellings. One of the units is not only a Chicago Landmark but a U.S. National Landmark as well!

Bonus on this tour: Take the tour on a Sunday and arrive at St. Michael's just as Mass is finishing and not only can you go inside (not guaranteed) to see the incredible interior, but you can hear a full round of the noon church bells toll! GOLDEN! In addition, learn the fascinating history of this church and its rich architectural history.

Along with over 40 -50 other darling, adorable workers cottages, you will see this little cutiepie and hear why it's so small and what its function was. Find out how much it sold for in 2018!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

164 W Eugenie St, 164 West Eugenie Street, Chicago, United States