Six Corners

Six Corners is a geographic term in Chicago due to Chicago's unique rectangular grid street system which is cut by a handful of diagonal streets, and therefore numerous intersections within the city contain six corners.^{[1][2][3][4][5]}

"Six Corners" in in the Wicker Park neighborhood refers to the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue, North, and Damen Avenues.^[6][7][8] In its immediate vicinity is The Robey hotel, The Flatiron Arts Building, the first Le Labo in Chicago, and the Damen station of the CTA Blue Line.

"Six Corners" in the Portage Park neighborhood of Chicago's Northwest Side refers to the intersection of Irving Park Road, Cicero Avenue and Milwaukee Avenue.

Panorama of the intersections of North, Damen, and Milwaukee Avenues in Wicker Park

History

Portage Park Six Corners intersection

The Portage Park intersection includes Irving Park Road, Cicero Avenue and Milwaukee Avenue.^[9] Its history as an urban center began in the 1840s, eventually becoming the largest commercial center in Chicago, outside of the Loop.^[10] There is evidence that Native Americans used a ridge along Milwaukee Avenue as a campsite,^[11] which would have been higher than the generally swampy surrounding land.

Mid-20th century postcard view

Architecture

The Portage Park area is host to a number of examples of prominent architecture, including the art deco Sears and Klee Buildings, the classical revival Portage Theater and the landmark Peoples Gas Irving Park Neighborhood Store.

Although the Portage Park shopping district has fallen on hard times in recent years, the area has been slated for redevelopment as an urban pedestrian shopping district with the recent reopening of the Portage Theater, the upcoming construction of several retail-condo buildings and a street beautification project.^[12]