This map helps us to understand why Niles Center was ready for development. It shows how the "L" line was going to run alongside the Chicago and Northwestern tracks. The Main Street station was never built, but one was constructed at Dempster Street. This is now the terminus of the Skokie Swift route.
A developer built a block of shops just to the north of the Dempster Street Station. The Bronx Building is a fine example of the style of the twenties and is still standing.
The lots in the upper left-hand side of the map were typical of the way in which Niles Center was subdivided (note the alley). Center lots cost $1495 or $1545, while end-lots could go up to $4000. Notice how the artist has tried to distinguish between the CNW rolling-stock, pulled by a steam locomotive, and the "L" cars.
|