About the neighborhood by Lesia Yurkiw

Ukrainian Village

By Lesia Yurkiw

Living in Ukrainian Village gives you the best of “urban living while embracing the charm of the Old World”. The website Redfin named it the “hottest neighborhood in the nation in 2016!”

Minutes away from downtown Chicago, Ukrainian Village is known for its tree lined quiet streets and “neighborhood – centric culture” The neighborhood is a mixture of tradition and history along with modern, contemporary, and urban structures all juxtaposed on the same block. Here you will find charming two and three flat homes, 1800s era worker’s cottages, converted commercial buildings and churches along with new construction. Historic churches, museums, art galleries, restaurants and bars are found throughout the neighborhood.

Ukrainian Village is surrounded by some of the most desirable neighborhoods in Chicago. Bucktown and Wicker Park are to the north, Logan Square to the northwest and the South Loop is about a mile southeast. Much of the area has been designated a “Chicago Landmark District”. The community has focused on historical preservation and controlled development.

It is a walkable, family friendly neighborhood that is popular with professionals, singles, artists and baby boomers. Many of the residents have lived in the neighborhood for several generations. One can witness Ukrainian traditions especially during the Easter and Christmas holidays with people wearing their finest Vyshyvanky (Ukrainian Embroidery) and speaking the Ukrainian language. 

The Walk Score for Ukrainian Village is 93 because of the proximity to grocery stores, bars, restaurants and shopping. Public transportation options consist of major bus lines on Chicago, Ave., Ashland, Damen, Division and Western. The Blue Line rapid transit nearest the neighborhood is less than a mile away, with stations at Damen (above ground), Division (subway) and Chicago & Milwaukee Avenues (subway).

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN UKRAINIAN VILLAGE

Walking along the quaint, tree lined streets one will find famous churches, cathedrals and historic landmarks. Trinity Orthodox Cathedral (1121 N Leavitt St) designed by famous architect Louis Sullivan and funded by Tsar Nicholas II is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral (835 N Oakley Blvd) was modeled after the 11thcentury multi-domed church St Sophia in Kyiv, Ukraine. It is a Byzantine Slavonic structure with thirteen domes representing Christ and the 12 apostles. The Cathedral was built in 1915. Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Church (739 N Oakley Blvd.)  is adorned with golden domes and a mosaic above the church entrance that depicts the Christianization of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian National Museum (2249 W Superior St) was founded in 1952 by scholars displaced from World War II. The museum contains both ethnic, folk and fine art. An extensive collection of archives and library are housed at the library as well.

The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art (2320 W Chicago Ave) was founded in 1971 as an alternative venue for Ukrainian artists to exhibit. The museum features contemporary artists from Ukraine and other artists from all ethnic backgrounds. Literary and film events are held as well. The main gallery features approximately six to seven major exhibits a year. Two side galleries house permanent collections.