Chicago Architecture Center's logo
Chicago Architecture Center Homepage

The Legacy of Northalsted

  • A tower with red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple rings.

    Legacy Walk Rainbow Pylon.

Join us in exploring Chicago’s proudest, most inclusive and colorful neighborhoods on a walk through Northalsted (also known as Boystown) and Lakeview East.

  • A tower with red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple rings.

    Legacy Walk Rainbow Pylon.

Learn how Lakeview evolved from a quiet suburb into one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods — and became the first officially recognized LGBTQ+ neighborhood in the United States. Discover its rich history, evolving architecture and the lively events and public art that give it life.

Duration
1.5 hours
Site Type
Neighborhoods
Location
Northside
Architects and Styles
Meet

3760 N Broadway, Chicago, IL. At the Intersection of Halsted, Broadway and Grace in front of MyEyeDr.

Take a walk through Northalsted (the district’s official name since 2021) and Lakeview East to explore the neighborhoods’ history, architecture and evolving demographics that have shaped them into two of Chicago’s most popular residential and entertainment districts. Discover the rainbow pylons of the Legacy Walk on Halsted Street, honoring notable LGBTQ+ individuals and events, and see a mix of newer developments, adapted historic buildings and public art — all at the heart of this vibrant, diverse community.

Know before you go:
  • Tour route is accessible.
  • 1.25 miles or 2 km of walking, including both inside and outside.
  • Restrooms are available at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted and some other local businesses.
  • A building made of glass on a sunny day.

    Howard Brown.

  • Red brick building with white trim on a sunny day.

    Tilt Mansion.

  • A grey brick and glass building.

    Optima Lakeview.

  • A glass building with balconies.

    Halsted Flats.

  • A red church with a

    Lakeview Presbyterian.

Tour Accessibility

CAC is committed to improving access to our tours. The accessibility information below reflects our docents’ experience and is provided for general guidance only.

What to expect on this tour

  • Icon of a person walking with a red percentage sign

    Terrain & Surfaces

    Easy - Paved and flat the entire route

  • Icon of a wheelchair and red arrow

    Wheelchair & Walker Access

    Easy - Fully accessible; no barriers

  • Icon of the outline or some steps and a red arrow pointing diagonally right and up.

    Steps or Stairs

    Easy - No stairs, step-free route

  • Icon of an ear with a red throughline

    Hearing Access

    Easy - Quiet setting, easy to hear 

Similar Tours

View All Tours
Skyscraper GallerySkyscraper Gallery

Free Center Entry with Your Ticket

Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your walking or bus tour.

Visit the Center
Skyscraper GallerySkyscraper Gallery