Day 4 - West Argyle Street Historic District - Chicago, Illinois
📌APIA Every Day (4) - The West Argyle Street Historic District, also known as Little Saigon, New Chinatown, and Asia on Argyle, is a historic district located in northern Uptown, Chicago, Illinois. This district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010 and spans roughly 41 acres. Its boundaries include N. Glenwood Ave to the west, Winona Street to the north, Sheridan Road to the east, and Ainslie Street to the south. The neighborhood has a rich history, originally developing as a suburb called Argyle Park in the 1880s, which was later annexed into Chicago.
The historical development of the West Argyle Street Historic District reflects a compelling narrative of transformation, especially marked by the arrival of approximately 2,000 refugees in Chicago in 1975 after the Fall of Saigon. Over the years, the area underwent significant cultural transformation, becoming a vibrant hub for Asian communities, particularly Vietnamese, Chinese, Cambodian, Laotian, and Japanese businesses. It's famous for its concentration of Asian restaurants, shops, and cultural events, earning it the nicknames Little Saigon, Little Vietnam, or New Chinatown. The district's transformation can be attributed to the tireless efforts of community leaders and advocates like Charlie Soo, who helped revitalize the area, making it a dynamic and thriving cultural destination for residents and visitors.
TODAY: The Asia on Argyle sign and pagoda at the Argyle CTA Red Line station were temporarily REMOVED and put into storage on Sept. 19, 2023 amid construction. Neither will be incorporated into the redesigned Red Line stop, and it is unclear where they’ll be reinstalled after the project.
PHOTO 1: West Argyle Historic District, date and original credit unknown.
PHOTO 2: Lanterns for Lunar New Year, Credit: Uptown United
PHOTO 3: W Argyle St at N Kenmore St, Credit: Kevin at @caffeinatedexcursions
LEARN MORE:
Block Curb Chicago: ‘Asia On Argyle’ Sign Removed For Red Line Construction
Caffeinated Excursions: Why You Should Check Out “Asia On Argyle,” Chicago’s Little Vietnam
NPS: National Register of Historic Places: Illinois SP West Argyle Street Historic District
Chicago Transit Authority: West Argyle Street Historic District - July 2018 Plan
#apiaeveryday #asianamerican #historicpreservation #aapi #vietnameseamerican #littlesaigon #littlevietnam #newchinatown #asiaonargyle #chicago #illionis #historicdistrict #nationalregisterofhistoricplaces
