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Around Chicago: Hyde Park

By Sponsor in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 13, 2015 7:58PM

This post is a sponsored collaboration between Jameson and Gothamist staff.

A city is defined by its people and what they build, create, and celebrate. Chicago, itself a kaleidoscope of America's complicated past, is a great example. Look at your community and, because it's Polish, African-American, Puerto Rican, Irish or a little of everything, you'll see the country by way of the city.

Hyde Park is famous for a lot of things, but there's one thing that's certain: it's a hotbed of history. It's host to half the city's spots on the National Register of Historic Places, some presidential residences, and it's come to be representative of a lot of the city's racial history, too. However you came to find yourself here, you can find something on the holiday that's ironically come to represent us all: St. Patrick's Day.

How does that make sense? Think about it: St. Paddy's is bigger here than it ever was in Ireland. Americans of every background have made it into their own celebration of friendship, indulgence, and the opportunity to unwind. How does it change from person to person, neighborhood to neighborhood, and what does it say about us?

In Hyde Park, you can take advantage of numerous bar specials, pack a drink to go and tour the incredible architectural landmarks, or grab some deli brisket and mix some drinks at home. It doesn't have to be a rager, just keep that Jameson close.

In a toast to Chicago, we've taken a look at four neighborhoods to get a picture of their past and present. We've already seen Logan Square, North Center, and Avondale. The last in our series is up now: Hyde Park.

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Mike Nourse is the Director of Education at Hyde Park Art Center, on the side serving as the Executive Director of Chicago Art Department, a non-profit arts lab located in Pilsen. We asked Mike about Hyde Park, what it means to work there, and whether there's anything he'd like to share with the rest of Chicago. You can learn more about him here, here, and here.

It's almost St. Patrick's Day—let's talk about drinks. How do you like your whiskey? Jameson with ginger ale—which also happens to be the only whiskey drink I am aware of.

Let's say you find yourself buying a round of shots for your table. What's the occasion? Someone gave me cash and asked me to buy a round for the table.

Let's say you find yourself buying a round of shots for some strangers. What's the occasion? Hell hath frozen over.

So, you work in Hyde Park. What's your favorite thing about the neighborhood? Diversity. You run into all kinds of people here, and a high percentage of awesome.

What do you think sets Hyde Park apart from other neighborhoods? The specific Hyde Park history is fascinating —the oldest experimental art space in the city—and newer, nearby cultural works led by community members make this more than a local destination. It’s a national destination, if not an international one.

Mike Nourse
Mike Nourse.
What's a misconception about the neighborhood you want to put to rest? That it’s too far to get to. Simply put, it is not.

Do you think anything specific defines Hyde Park? People and organizations aim to support each other. Bringing diverse and caring community members together, Hyde Park programs, partnerships, festivals, and gatherings see people work and grow together.

What was your impression when you first came to the area? I was surprised that the south side of Chicago is overflowing with people and stories that built this city, meanwhile if you ask most people about Chicago they talk about cultural clichés, pretty much all from north of Roosevelt Road.

Tell me about a building or landmark you love in particular. The Hyde Park Art Center is a 75-year old contemporary hub that is unlike anything else. It’s a great place to work and always worth visiting with its galleries, programs, resident artists, and the Bridgeport Coffee Company location. I also love the bike path on Lake Michigan, the underpass murals located along the Metra train track, Promontory Point, and all the museums and cultural institutions around here.

Is there anything that strikes you when you come back after being away for a while? That more and more people are moving here, investing here, and it’s becoming a more prominent part of the city’s identity.

How would you tell an out-of-towner to spend a day in the area? Don’t be afraid to walk, or talk to locals. It’s a walkable area and the people are friendly.

What about a Chicagoan? I would tell a Chicagoan to first, more deeply explore their city’s history by reading Devil in the White City or The Third Coast, and then head down to find some of it around Hyde Park if not surrounding communities like South Shore.

How do you think you're going to spend St. Patrick's Day this year? Listening to someone talk about a green river.


St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner and, deep down, it's a holiday that's more American than Irish. What better represents our nation of scrappy upstarts than a holiday both nostalgic for home and proud to have built a new one? And really, what's more Chicagoan?

Jameson invites you to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and the spirit of community the most authentic way—with a shot of triple-distilled Irish whiskey in your hand. Whether you're toasting from a bar stool, your favorite restaurant or a nearby park: long live the neighborhood—and long live the shot!