Doing Business in Old Town About Old Town Old Town is one of the most historic communities in Chicago. It has been Chicago’s center for arts and culture for decades, as well as the birthplace of nationally recognized brands and businesses. Today, the neighborhood is filled with many shops, restaurants and entertainment, with something for everyone. Beginning in the 1920s, the neighborhood became an epicenter of art and culture. Artists like Sol Kogen and Edgar Miller began investing in the neighborhood by creating spaces, known as the Carl Street Studios, which served as functional places for both the production of art and seeing innovative works of art. In the 1900’s, businesses like Dr. Scholl’s and Crate & Barrel first-opened their doors in the Old Town neighborhood. Today many small businesses still line the streets in Old Town, including some that are multi-generational and others that have expanded across Chicago and the surrounding area. During the 1950’s and 1960’s, the area became a diverse place of culture and counterculture, and an entertainment destination. The Old Town School of Folk Music brought musicians such as Bob Gibson and Bonnie Kolac into the neighborhood at infamous venues like Mother Blues. The world-famous The Second City, a comedy theater known for its sketch and improvisation comedy, opened in Old Town in 1959 and since then has produced some of the most notable names in comedy. Today, Old Town is a hip and fun urban neighborhood and is home to some of the best shops, restaurants and entertainment venues in Chicago. We welcome you to see it for yourself! Location Local Shoppers Historic Charm Old Town’s location to downtown Old Town residents are some of The historic bohemian charm of has made it appealing to young the strongest supporters of local the neighborhood has remained a professionals. The quick commute businesses. Old Town’s residents draw for tourists in Chicago. Old to work via public transportation have an average household income Town is a neighborhood that has and attractive amenities in the of $88,651 and $1,873,458,603 in an authentic, cohesive identity community have made this retail spending power that is only minutes from a neighborhood one of the hottest (ESRI. 2017). concentration of hotels and other real estate markets in Chicago. major tourist attractions. Doing Business in Old Town | Old Town Merchants and Residents Association | 2021 Neighborhood Anchors Since the mid-1900’s, the Old Town neighborhood has been a center for culture and counterculture. From this came a focus on arts and entertainment in the community. Today, Old Town is home to three theaters: A Red Orchid Theatre, The Second City, and Zanies Comedy Club. Each bring their own style of theater and offer Chicago many ways to enjoy the arts. Old Town also features the Chicago History Museum, offering outstanding exhibits that showcase Chicago’s storied past, and is excited to welcome the U.S. premiere of Immersive Van Gogh to the neighborhood in February 2021. THEATRE DISTRICT The Second City Since opening its doors 1959, The Second City has grown to become the world’s premier comedy club, theater, and school of improvisation, entertaining 1 million theatergoers a year around the globe. Zanies Comedy Club Celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2018, Zanies delivers nationally touring stand-up comedians nightly. A Red Orchid Theatre Founded in 1993, A Red Orchid Theatre has become one of the leading theatres in the dynamic Chicago theatre scene. Their commitment to the idea of producing innovative work that allows artists (both ensemble and non-ensemble members) to grow has made A Red Orchid Theatre one of the most respected small theatre companies in Chicago. Museums and Exhibitions Chicago History Museum CHM’s mission—to share Chicago’s stories, serving as a hub of scholarship and learning, inspiration, and civic engagement—is the foundation of the Museum’s programs and events, exhibitions, educational initiatives, publications, and collecting activities that touch the lives of all Chicagoans and help them make meaningful and personal connections to history. Immersive Van Gogh Opening in the recently renovated landmark Germania Club Building, Immersive Van Gogh, is a visually spectacular digital art exhibition that recently received widespread critical acclaim and was the highest ticketed event on Ticketmaster in the summer of 2020. Audiences are invited to “step inside” the iconic works of post-Impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh, evoking his highly emotional and chaotic inner consciousness through art, light, music, movement and imagination. Who we are Since our establishment in 1971, the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association (OTMRA) has served as the voice of the Old Town community advocating city services for businesses and residents. Working in partnership with our local aldermen, the OTMRA addresses issues concerning development in the neighborhood, streetscape maintenance, business development, and promotion of the neighborhood as a destination in Chicago. The OTMRA also hosts regular social events, informational workshops, business roundtables, and the Wells Street Art Festival every June. Old Town Special Service Area #48 Special Service Areas (SSAs) are locally controlled, locally funded taxing districts used for local community development. They are governed by local taxpayers, and the funds generated are used for programs related to public way beautification and maintenance, enhanced security, and landscaping services. Old Town SSA #48 was established on December 9, 2009 and was reconstituted in 2018. On January 1, 2019, the boundaries of SSA #48 were expanded to operate in more areas of Old Town. The Old Town SSA offers different services and programs for it’s designated area. Our Services LANDSCAPING: Landscaping services include planter box maintenance, tree bed maintenance, and streetscape decorations. BEAUTIFICATION: Beautification services include litter removal, graffiti removal, snow removal, streetscape repainting, and sidewalk pressure washing. SECURITY: Security services include on-street security patrols throughout the week and on weekends to help with crowd control. They work with the 18th District police to help deter crime. REBATE PROGRAMS: The SSA offers rebate programs to businesses to help them compete in the current business environment. Past examples have included reimbursing businesses for investing in their digital marketing and purchasing PPE for customers and employees. For more information on the Old Town SSA or to learn about quarterly public meetings, please visit the OTMRA website. Doing Business in Old Town | Old Town Merchants and Residents Association | 2021 Old Town Events OTMRA Events Old Town Theater Week – Late Winter/Early Spring Old Town Theater week is the yearly celebration of the robust theater community in the neighborhood. The event includes week-long deals across Chicago’s historic Old Town neighborhood, allowing residents and visitors a chance to experience Old Town’s historic theater scene. This event takes place each early in late winter/early spring. Small Business Week – First Business Week in May The Old Town Merchants and Residents Association participates in the national Small Business Week by hosting different workshops and social events for small businesses in Old Town. Annual Wells Street Art Festival – Second Weekend in June Art enthusiasts are guaranteed to find plenty of inspiration at the Wells Street Art Festival, which will be held for the 46th time in 2021. Held on the popular Wells Street strip between North Avenue and Division in Chicago’s historic Old Town neighborhood, it’s a treasure trove of creativity and much more. Annual Old Town Restaurant Walk – July Experience the incredible food scene in the Old Town neighborhood unlike you’ve ever done before. Sample tastes from different restaurants as you traverse the neighborhood along your chosen route. LiveWell Week – Week of Chicago Marathon In the lead up to the Chicago Marathon, which runs through Old Town on Wells Street, the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association holds LiveWell Week, an event highlighting the health and wellness businesses in Old Town. Old Town Tree Lighting – Early December Old Town Neighborhood Events Green City Market Chicago Hot Dog Festival May – October – Lincoln Park August – Chicago History Museum Old Town Art Fair Chicago Air & Water Show June – Old Town Triangle August – North Avenue Beach Wells Street Art Festival Chicago Marathon June – Wells Street October – LaSalle Street, Sedgwick Street, North Avenue, Wells Street Old Town at a Glance General Population Characteristics Community City of Area* Chicago Old Town is home to a population that has Total Population 16,181 2,740,225 above average spending power in comparison Total Households 9,311 1,081,334 Average Household Size 1.73 2.48 to the City of Chicago. The growing Population Change (2010-2020) 9.1% 1.6% population is also becoming younger and we Age Cohorts Community Area* City of Chicago believe the 2020 census will further 19 and Under 3,014 18.6% 667,907 24.4% demonstrate this demographic shift. 20 to 34 5,537 34.2% 714,133 26.1% 35 to 44 3,317 20.5% 394,691 14.4% 45 to 64 3,880 24.0% 611,474 22.3% Looking at the surrounding Near North 65 and up 2,074 12.8% 352,020 12.8% community and metropolitan Chicago, Old Median Age 35.9 34.8 Household Income Community Area* City of Chicago Town offers competitive rates for both commercial and retail spaces. The low Less than $50,000 2,493 26.8% 479,861 44.4% $50,000-$74,999 1,064 11.4% 169,433 15.7% occupancy rate in the neighborhood demon- $75,000-$99,999 1,141 12.3% 113,765 10.5% strates the success of businesses in the area $100,000-$149,999 1,752 18.8% 147,907 13.7% $150,000 and over 3,831 41.1% 170,368 15.8% in the midst of real estate growth.