Auburn Gresham, Chicago facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Auburn Gresham
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| Community Area 71 - Auburn Gresham | |
Two-flats built in the early 20th century are common in Gresham.
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Location within the city of Chicago
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Cook |
| City | Chicago |
| Neighborhoods |
list
Auburn Gresham
Gresham |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.77 sq mi (9.76 km2) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 44,878 |
| • Density | 11,909/sq mi (4,598.2/km2) |
| Demographics (2016–2020) | |
| • White | 1.00% |
| • Black | 94.5% |
| • Hispanic | 3.00% |
| • Asian | 0.30% |
| • Other | 1.10% |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Codes |
part of 60620
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| Median income | $37,741 |
| Source: U.S. Census, Record Information Services | |
Auburn Gresham, often called Gresham, is one of the 77 official community areas in Chicago, Illinois. It is located on the far south side of the city. This area was once the starting point for the famous South Side Irish Parade. Later, the parade moved to the nearby Beverly neighborhood.
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How Auburn Gresham Grew Over Time
Auburn Gresham began to grow as a community in the early 1800s. At first, it was mainly home to small groups of German and Dutch settlers. Later, many Irish railroad workers and others moved to the South Side. They were attracted by new city services that became available in the late 1800s. This led to more homes and businesses being built.
Population Boom in the 1920s
In the 1920s, the number of people living in Auburn Gresham grew very quickly. The population almost tripled, going from about 19,500 to over 57,000. Many homes built during this time were bungalow-style houses and brick two-flat apartment buildings. You can still see these types of buildings all over Auburn Gresham today.
Changes in the 1960s
Like many other South Side communities, Auburn Gresham saw big changes in the 1960s. The neighborhood was almost entirely white in 1960. By 1970, about 69% of the residents were Black. This change happened as many white families moved out and Black families moved in.
Getting Around: Transportation in Auburn Gresham
Auburn Gresham has good transportation options for its residents.
Train Services
The neighborhood has a Metra commuter rail stop at W. 87th St. and Vincennes Ave. This train takes people daily into LaSalle Street Station in Chicago. It also goes to Joliet. Community leaders have wanted another Metra stop at W. 79th St. for a long time. In 2014, the City of Chicago bought land to build this new station.
CTA Red Line Access
You can also find CTA Red Line train stops nearby. These stops are at 79th St. and 87th St. They are located along the Dan Ryan Expressway in the close-by Chatham neighborhood.
Important Places and Landmarks
Auburn Gresham is home to several important buildings and places.
Thurgood Marshall Library
The Chicago Public Library runs the Thurgood Marshall Branch in Auburn Gresham. It is located at W. 75th St. and S. Racine Ave. This library is 13,500 square feet and has a 125-seat auditorium. It also features a reading garden and various artworks. The library first opened its doors in April 1994.
St. Sabina Church
St. Sabina Church is a well-known church in the community. It is led by Rev. Michael Pfleger. The church and its priest have played a key role in helping Auburn Gresham grow. New homes and businesses have opened in the area thanks to their efforts. One of Chicago's largest new single-family home projects is almost finished here. It is located at W. 87th St. and S. Parnell Ave.
Support for Veterans and Education
Auburn Gresham is also home to the St. Leo Campus for Veterans. This campus includes the Catholic Charities' St. Leo's Residence. It also has the Auburn Gresham Community Based Outpatient Clinic. The St. Leo's Veteran's Garden and the Pope John Paul II Residence are also part of this campus.
The community also has Perspectives Leadership Academy and Perspectives Technology Academy. These schools are part of the Renaissance 2010 program. Both schools are in the same building that used to be Calumet High School. Calumet High School was one of Chicago's oldest high schools, opening in 1919. Auburn Gresham is also proud to have the first urban S.O.S. Children's Village in the U.S.
Who Lives in Auburn Gresham?
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1920 | 19,558 | — | |
| 1930 | 57,381 | 193.4% | |
| 1940 | 57,293 | −0.2% | |
| 1950 | 60,978 | 6.4% | |
| 1960 | 59,484 | −2.5% | |
| 1970 | 68,850 | 15.7% | |
| 1980 | 65,132 | −5.4% | |
| 1990 | 59,808 | −8.2% | |
| 2000 | 55,928 | −6.5% | |
| 2010 | 48,743 | −12.8% | |
| 2020 | 44,878 | −7.9% | |
The population of Auburn Gresham has changed over the years. In 1920, about 19,500 people lived here. By 1970, the population reached its highest point with nearly 69,000 residents. In 2020, the population was about 44,800 people.
Famous People From Auburn Gresham
Many notable people have connections to Auburn Gresham:
- Philip K. Dick (1928–1982): A famous science fiction writer. He was born on South Emerald Avenue.
- Michael Flatley (born 1958): An Irish step dancer known worldwide. He grew up near 79th and Ashland.
- John Lyle (1920–2019): A pilot and member of the brave Tuskegee Airmen. He lived in Auburn Gresham.
- Minyon Moore (born 1958): She served as the White House Political Director for President Bill Clinton. She was raised on West 78th Street and South Honore Street.
See Also
