Gold Coast: Astor Street

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Discover Chicago’s Gold Coast with a walk through the historic Astor Street District, exploring 19th-century residential architecture and the preservation efforts from the 1970s.
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Discover the architectural treasures of the Astor Street Historic District, one of Chicago's most affluent neighborhoods, during a four-block stroll. The tour covers residential architecture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries and looks at the preservation movement of the 1970s that saved the homes from demolition.

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

Near the Statue of Greene Vardiman Black, 29 E. North Blvd.

Learn about the celebrated people who have lived on the Gold Coast, the esteemed architects who built their homes and the remarkable events that have occurred there. We’ll discuss how the land once owned by the Catholic Church became a haven for some of the city's wealthiest residents while walking past more than 40 elegant homes in the Romanesque, Queen Anne, Tudor, Art Deco and Modern styles.

Know before you go:
  • Tour meets in the park at the Dr. Greene Vardiman Black statue across from the Cardinal’s Mansion.
Notes:
  • Many tours sell out. To guarantee your space advance reservations are strongly recommended.
  • Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your tour. View the CAC's hours.
  • Your safety is our priority. The itinerary of this tour may be altered in accordance with health and safety policies and considerations.

Tour reviews

    • This tour is a must see for anyone who loves Chicago architecture or Chicago history. Some of the country's best architects are represented in the homes along the route, and the residents who commissioned them were the people building the city in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries.
      Virgina GerstCAC Docent
    • Thank you so much. This tour really brought history alive.
      Tour attendee
  • Photo of 1432 Astor Street looking up at a balcony from the sidewalk

    1432 Astor Street.

  • Photo of 20 E. Burton/1500 Astor Street

    20 E. Burton/1500 Astor Street

  • Photo of 1416 Astor Street

    1416 Astor Street

  • Photo of Archbishop's Residence

    Archbishop's Residence

  • Photo of 1312 Astor Street

    1312 Astor Street

FAQ

  • Essential walking tours depart from the center at 111 East Wacker; they are free for all CAC members. Premier walking tours depart from other locations across Chicago, including neighborhood tours. Premier tours are discounted for individual, dual and family memberships and free for Deco level and above.

  • The CAC welcomes all visitors and is committed to making its offerings feel safe and accessible to everyone. Learn more about accessibility options.

  • Many of our tours depart from the CAC at 111 E. Wacker. Your ticket (regular or print-at-home) will indicate the departure location. If you have any questions about your tour’s meeting place, give us a call at 312.922.TOUR (8687).

    For tours that don’t begin at the CAC, please consult the individual tour webpage, or call 312.922.TOUR (8687) for details on the meeting location.

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Buildings on This Tour

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Group & Private Tours

CAC offers discounted rates and customized options for groups and tour operators. Learn about options here.

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Free Center Entry with Your Ticket

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

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