Surrounded by the Chicago River on the city’s North Side, Goose Island is in the midst of a major revival.
The 160-acre island has captured the attention of real estate developers and investors who have begun to transform the industrial hub into a vibrant destination for businesses and residents alike.
With its prime location, it’s easy to see why Goose Island is garnering so much attention. The patch of land is surrounded by a number of thriving residential neighborhoods including Lincoln Park, Bucktown, Wicker Park, and Old Town, providing convenient access to a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
Early History
Goose Island, like much of Chicago, was created as part of the effort to turn Chicago from a swampy into a major city. The island itself was created as part of the effort to dig the North Branch Canal, which runs to the west of the island. The island was created in 1850, by Chicago’s first mayor William Ogden. Part of an effort to create more river-side land in Chicago, the island was soon a major industrial hub of the city, which it remained for over 100 years. The name of Goose Island came from the irish factory workers who settled on the island who kept flocks of geese as livestock.
Redevelopment
Like other former industrial areas (Pilsen, River North, etc.), Goose Island has seen a push for redevelopment. Many of the island industrial areas have been adapted into office space and loft apartments. Major businesses have set up shop on the island including, The Wrigleys Corporation, Amazon, and Crate & Barrel. Many smaller businesses also enjoy creative loft-offices there. A new park will cover the entire east side of the island and even residential developments are going up. This new redeveloped island has been dubbed “Goose Island 2.0”.
