History

James Thompson’s original 1830 plan of Chicago was centered on Wolf Point at the fork of the Chicago River and included much of the area that is today the Fulton River District. The street grid and block layout imposed on this small area defined the pattern of Chicago’s development as the city grew. ^{1, 2}

Fulton River District in the 1940's

Commerce dominated the district for much of its history. Lumber and grain were shipped through the district, and Sears and Roebuck’s first mail order warehouse was located at Fulton and DesPlaines. Randolph Street became the center of wholesale produce distribution in the late 19th Century and was the site of the famous Haymarket Square labor riots of 1886 on DesPlaines Street. ¹

Transportation

Historically, the district has also moved people. The City’s first railroad terminal was built at Kinzie and Canal in 1848. Another terminal was built a few blocks south along the river and became Union Station. Today, the Ogilvie Transportation Center is a major commuter rail hub, and nearby connections to the Kennedy Expressway make this one of the most accessible places in the region.

Development

In late 1999, several residents from the FRD created a new community organization to influence the development of the neighborhood.  In March 2000, the Fulton River District Association (FRDA) received its not-for-profit corporate charter from the Secretary of State of Illinois.

In the late 2000s, the FRD served as a transition from the Loop to the east and River North to the northwest to the lower density, residential neighborhoods of the West Loop, West Town to the west. Originally dominated by industry, warehousing and transportation, the FRD in the 2000s has become increasingly residential. Low and mid-rise loft buildings have been converted to condominiums and apartments as well as offices. New residential development is bringing townhomes, mid-rise and high-rise condos and apartments to the district.

The FRD is also the home of The Boeing Company, and the Ogilvie Transportation Center (formerly Northwestern Station), a major commuter rail terminal. The neighborhood is known for the scent of chocolate emanating from the Blommer Chocolate Company.

Notes

1. Near Northside Plan. City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development, 2002
2. Wikipedia contributors, "Fulton River District, Chicago," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia,
   "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fulton_River_District%2C_Chicago" (accessed June 15, 2008).
3. Demographics Sources: Appraisal Research Counselors, Claritas, Costar, CTA and Metra as of 3/2006.