East Garfield Park: A Tale of Resilience and Renewal on Chicago’s West Side

Nestled around the iconic Garfield Park, East Garfield Park spans approximately 1.94 square miles and is defined by the Union Pacific tracks to the north, Arthington and Taylor to the south, Independence Boulevard to the west, and Rockwell Street to the east.  As of 2020, its population was nearly 20,000, 85% African American, with a median household income of just over $23,000.

Trivia Question:
Which early public housing development, one of the first in the U.S., was located in East Garfield Park and later demolished in the 2000s?

(Answer at the end of the post.)

Origins and Early History

Originally rural prairie land, East Garfield Park became part of Chicago in 1869 and was soon anchored by the establishment of Central Park, later renamed for President James Garfield in 1881.  The extension of Madison Street's horsecar line and later the elevated train ignited development. Affluent homeowners erected large residences around Garfield Park, while factories and two-flat housing sprang up nearby.

East Garfield by the Numbers

Transformation and Evolution

East Garfield Park grew throughout the early 20th century, drawing Irish, German, Italian, and Russian Jewish families who worked in nearby industries, especially the active Sears plant just over the North Lawndale border.  In 1905, Jens Jensen revitalized the park and unveiled the Garfield Park Conservatory, heralded as a Prairie-style botanical masterpiece.

Following WWII, the neighborhood mirrored West Garfield Park's population shift to predominantly African American residents. Post-1968 unrest caused further exodus of businesses and population decline, and the area lost more than two-thirds of its population by 2000.

Historical Landmarks and Structures

• Garfield Park Conservatory & Park – A 184-acre park and glasshouse, the conservatory remains a symbol of architectural and ecological innovation.
• King–Nash House (3234 W. Washington Blvd.) – Built in 1901 by architect George W. Maher, this Prairie-style home later housed political boss Patrick Nash. It’s a Chicago Landmark.
• Florence Crittenton Anchorage (2678 W. Washington Blvd.) – A rare 19th-century Queen Anne mansion turned into a shelter. Proposed for landmark status, it shines a light on the history of social service in the area.

Historical Figures from East Garfield Park

• Patrick J. King / Patrick Nash – The long-time resident of the King–Nash House, Nash was a powerful political figure. His role shaped city politics and reflected the neighborhood’s civic influence.
• Jens Jensen – Though not a resident, his design of Garfield Park and Conservatory defined East Garfield Park’s identity and made it a national exemplar of landscape architecture.

East vs. West Garfield Park

Similarities: Both neighborhoods share the same park, experienced population decline after mid-century white flight, and struggled with disinvestment, economic hardship, and isolation from city resources

Differences:

• East Garfield Park retained a higher working-class population and lower density housing, though it still saw dramatic population loss.
• West Garfield Park developed more robust commercial corridors along Madison Street and endured more severe rioting in the late 1960s, resulting in deeper economic damage. 

Current Outlook:
East Garfield Park is showing early signs of recovery, there’s renewed interest in housing, community-led efforts for affordable homeownership, and cultural projects anchored in preserved landmarks like the conservatory. West Garfield Park continues to recover more slowly with efforts focused on legacy businesses, youth empowerment, and small-scale reinvestment.

Current Trends and Redevelopment

• 3C Affordable Housing Initiatives – The Chicago Community Trust's 3C program is actively supporting affordable home development and wealth building for legacy residents in East Garfield Park.
• Creative Reuse of Industrial Spaces – Carroll Avenue is becoming a hub for creative light manufacturing, arts studios, and design businesses.
• Preservation and Community Investment – Projects like the landmarking of the Florence Crittenton Anchorage and renewal of the King–Nash House illustrate a commitment to historic preservation and community-driven change.

Conclusion

East Garfield Park may not get the headlines, but it stands as a neighborhood of remarkable character, deep architectural roots, a legacy of civic activism, and a conservatory that rivals the most famous in the world. While sharing much of its past with West Garfield Park, East Garfield Park today is quietly forging a new chapter, one of creative energy, homegrown leadership, and meaningful revival.

Trivia Answer:
The early public housing development was Rockwell Gardens, the first federally and state-funded housing project in the U.S., located in East Garfield Park from the late 1950s until its demolition in the 2000s..