Magnificent Mile
Discover how the automobile shaped an entire neighborhood. From sleepy Victorian enclave to one of the nation’s busiest commercial stretches, how did the 1920 completion of one bridge lead to such a drastic transformation? ⟶
Architectural tours of Chicago's past & present.
Have you ever looked at a building and wondered how and why was it built? Join Then & Now Chicago as we explore some of the city’s most famous and most overlooked architecture.
We offer a unique visual experience, with side-by-side comparisons of past photos and present locations. Our tours provide a more in-depth history than most, giving both visitors and locals a deeper understanding and appreciation for Chicago’s unique history.
Tours
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Uptown
At one time the city’s premier entertainment destination, we’ll explore the social and economic conditions that led to one of the city’s most unique neighborhoods.⟶
Boul Mich
Beginning at Michigan Avenue and Roosevelt Road and ending at Wacker Drive, we will see not just how the Michigan Avenue streetwall evolved, but the very shoreline of Lake Michigan as well. ⟶
State Street (That Great Street)
Formerly the nation’s busiest commercial thoroughfare, we will walk down State Street from Lake to Harrison, otherwise known as the “Lady’s Half Mile.” Laden with department stores and theaters, we’ll explore the impact that women had in shaping our downtown as we know it today. ⟶
Dearborn Street
While not as famous as some of its neighbors, the history of Dearborn Street is as varied and rich as any of them. From its prominence in the city's Theater District to its southern terminus at Polk Street in Printer's Row, Dearborn Street truly encapsulates the "Big Shoulders" moniker of the city. ⟶
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About
Then & Now Chicago was established by Jake Lewis-Hall in 2020 as a humble Instagram page.
Having grown up in Michigan and moved to Chicago in 2010, he came to appreciate the unique tapestry of architectural history that the city provided.
Combining elements of his Creative Writing degree with self-taught history, his goal is to imbue audiences with a newfound fascination, love, and passion for Chicago’s historic architecture.
Follow @ThenAndNowChicago on Instagram!
Chicago's Uptown is available now from Arcadia Publishing!
Chicago's Uptown arose in the early 20th century due to advances in public transportation. In less than 20 years, what had been a hamlet transformed into a bustling district. Thanks to the array of elevated rail and streetcar lines, commuters could travel between downtown Chicago and Uptown, encouraging growth in the latter. Boosterism helped entice developers and business owners to put down roots, spearheaded by former Marshall Field's executive Loren Miller.
Within a few years, the blocks surrounding the Lawrence elevated train station were alive with some of the city's largest entertainment venues such as the Uptown Theater and Aragon Ballroom. In addition to shops and restaurants, Uptown eventually usurped the Loop as the city's preeminent entertainment district. Eventually, Uptown grew into its own community area, comprised of Buena Park, Sheridan Park, Margate Park, Uptown Square, and Asia on Argyle.
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