The COMMunity
Neighborhoods Within Douglas
Though Douglas is recognized as a distinct neighborhood, as a whole it is formed by multiple smaller communities. Each has has a unique history that gives the neighborhood both its strength and character.
Bronzeville
Known as “The Black Metropolis” in the 1920s-1940s for the abundance of successful black business and rich culture. Businesses like Supreme Life Insurance and Chicago Defender worked to uplifted the community by providing important services and employment opportunities, Blacks were not offered by the white community in Chicago. Bronzeville is also known for its important historical role in the history in the arts. The musical innovations in Jazz, Gospel, and Blues were made in Bronzeville by artists like Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Muddy Waters and many more, at prominent theatres, and nightclubs in the area. Frankie Manning would develop the choreography for Lindyhop dancing at Bronzeville's Savoy Ballroom, and Gwendoyln Brooks wrote Annie Allen, the collection of poems that made her the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize in Bronzeville. Margaret Burroughs established the South Side Community Art Center in Bronzeville, in order to ensure the preservation and promotion of Black Artists in Chicago. These artists and businessmen not only brought prosperity to the community, but also made Bronzeville a symbol for Black achievement.
Bronzeville
Known as “The Black Metropolis” in the 1920s-1940s for the abundance of successful black business and rich culture. Businesses like Supreme Life Insurance and Chicago Defender worked to uplifted the community by providing important services and employment opportunities, Blacks were not offered by the white community in Chicago. Bronzeville is also known for its important historical role in the history in the arts. The musical innovations in Jazz, Gospel, and Blues were made in Bronzeville by artists like Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Muddy Waters and many more, at prominent theatres, and nightclubs in the area. Frankie Manning would develop the choreography for Lindyhop dancing at Bronzeville's Savoy Ballroom, and Gwendoyln Brooks wrote Annie Allen, the collection of poems that made her the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize in Bronzeville. Margaret Burroughs established the South Side Community Art Center in Bronzeville, in order to ensure the preservation and promotion of Black Artists in Chicago. These artists and businessmen not only brought prosperity to the community, but also made Bronzeville a symbol for Black achievement.
Unfortunately, from the 1950s on, the community has deteriorated significantly. During this period, the Urban Renewal Housing Projects greatly decreased the quality of life in the community, drove out businesses, and lowered property values. Crime, poverty and lower end stores became common in Bronzeville and commerce in the community became depressed. However, efforts to restore Bronzeville are starting to reinvent the area, as more middle class people are moving to the community, and initiatives to stimulate commerce are beginning to attract businesses.
Urban Renewal Housing Projects
South Commons, Dearborn Homes, Prairie Shores, Ickes Prairie Homes, and Lake Meadows
In 1946, the Chicago Housing Authority initiated a project to combat the substandard living conditions of Black Belt residents a through development of public housing. The project was first implemented in Douglas in 1959 with the start of construction on the Robert Taylor Homes, which would be opened in 1963. The 28 buildings were each 16 stories tall, and initially served as a positive resource of affordable to the community. However, the buildings were poorly maintained and fell into disrepair. The conditions became increasingly deplorable as apartments became overcrowded, cramming the 27,000 people into buildings intended to support 11,000 individuals (The Robert Taylor Homes). 95% of these residents were unemployed, stagnating commerce in the area as a few customers could products. Despite the economic and social devastation caused by the buildings, other public housing projects continued to be constructed in Douglas. This led to overall decrease in the quality of life in Douglas as the projects created crime and concentrated poverty in the community. Though several projects, including the Robert Taylor Homes were demolished in the early 2000s, the South Commons, Dearborn Homes, Prairie Shores, Ickes Prairie Homes, and Lake Meadows projects still remain in the neighborhood, and have developed individual communities around them. These projects are still known today for their very poor quality and threats for demolition.
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The Gap
The Gap is a small but growing community in Douglas, spanning from King Drive to State Street and 31st to 35th ST. This neighborhood is is known for its diversity as well as its “beautiful and historic” homes. This community was in disrepair until the 1970s when young black professionals began to work to restore the community. After so many years of undergoing development, the area has blossomed, and been christened the "diamond in the rough" due how to its success over surrounding impoverished communities of Douglas. Presently the neighborhood is continue to form plans for development in the area. |
Groveland Park
This small neighborhood gets is the only remaining area of the community originally created by Stephen Douglas. The area serves predominantly as the grave site for Douglas and the home of the Bronzeville Historical Society.
This small neighborhood gets is the only remaining area of the community originally created by Stephen Douglas. The area serves predominantly as the grave site for Douglas and the home of the Bronzeville Historical Society.