With more than 600,000 square feet of designated retail space within our borders, it’s no wonder Hyde Park draws shoppers from a large area. Here national chain names co-exist with private ventures in all categories from restaurants to bookstores and with a $525 million total retail expenditure each year, there’s plenty of foot traffic to go around!

Quaint opportunities to stimulate consumers’ imaginations exist on every corner. The Hyde Park Shopping Center offers the traditional convenience of anchor stores, while the brick courtyard design of Harper Court Shopping Center covers the eclectic end. A new Borders Books boasts the only outdoor cafe of any Borders in the city, and the University of Chicago purchased the Theater Building which will be developed in the future. From artist galleries to clothing boutiques, gift stores to day salons, antiques to co-op supermarkets, residents and visitors are offered many choices. Totaled, we offer three distinct shopping areas and five shopping centers.

Yet the City’s Department of Planning and Development "Vision for Hyde Park’s Retail Districts" development plan claims local establishments are not meeting the needs of residents in several retail categories. That’s why it recommends creating a mixed-use center for new retail spaces along Lake Park, building a parking structure to serve the retail district, and has established a TIF district to fund related infrastructure improvements.

Dining is a special treat in Hyde Park. Our chefs reach beyond the expected to serve innovative Thai, Korean, Mexican, Italian, and Middle Eastern cuisine. Of course, we even make our hamburgers special!

Follow The Money

According to the South East Chicago Commission:

• Since 1990, average household income has increased to $62,504 (a 49.6 percent increase since 1990).

• One quarter of Hyde Park households have incomes over $75,000 (a 78.6 percent increase since 1990).

• Per capita income in Hyde Park is higher than that of Evanston and Oak Park.

• Over 35 percent hold graduate degrees.

• The largest single segment of Hyde Park’s population is made up of "urban up and comers" - white collar, highly educated, city dwellers between the ages of 25 and 34 who are putting down roots.

• Forming their lifelong brand loyalties now, these vital young people represent a highly desirable segment of the consumer market.

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