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Unity Hall: A Landmark of Black Metropolis

Explore Unity Hall, a Chicago landmark and former hub of African American political power in the historic Bronzeville neighborhood.

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Unity Hall, located in Chicago's Douglas neighborhood, is a historic building that once served as a Jewish social club before becoming a vital center for African American political organization. It was the headquarters of the People's Movement Club led by Oscar Stanton De Priest, the first African American elected to the Chicago City Council.

A brief summary to Unity Hall

  • 3140 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, Douglas, Illinois, 60616, US
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Explore the surrounding Bronzeville neighborhood to discover more of Chicago's rich African American history and culture.
  • Check local listings for community events or potential open houses in Unity Hall and the Black Metropolis District.
  • Consider visiting nearby landmarks such as the Pilgrim Baptist Church, known as the birthplace of gospel music.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Chicago, take the CTA Red Line to the Cermak-Chinatown stop. From there, it's about a 15-minute walk east on Cermak Road to Indiana Avenue, then north to Unity Hall. A single ride on the CTA is $2.50.

  • Walking

    If you are in the Douglas neighborhood or near McCormick Place, Unity Hall is easily accessible by foot. From McCormick Place, walk south on Indiana Avenue for about 15 minutes. Be mindful of street signs as you approach 3140 S. Indiana Ave.

  • Driving

    If driving, note that parking in the immediate vicinity of Unity Hall may be limited. Consider using parking apps to find nearby garages or street parking. Several parking garages are located a few blocks west of Unity Hall, with hourly rates typically ranging from $10-$20. Be aware of street cleaning schedules and parking restrictions.

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Discover more about Unity Hall

Unity Hall stands at 3140 S. Indiana Ave. in Chicago's Douglas community, a significant landmark in the city's Black Metropolis-Bronzeville Historic District. Built in 1887, the red brick building was originally designed by architect L.B. Dixon as the Lakeside Club, a Jewish social club. The building features Queen Anne architecture with terra cotta decorations and sheet metal edging. In 1917, the building's role shifted dramatically when Oscar Stanton De Priest, Chicago's first African-American alderman, established the People's Movement Club and made Unity Hall its headquarters. This organization became a powerful force in Black Chicago politics, and De Priest went on to become the first African-American U.S. Representative from a northern state in 1928. After the People's Movement Club, William L. Dawson, a prominent Democratic political leader, used it as his headquarters. From the 1950s onward, Unity Hall was primarily used by churches. Despite its historical significance, the building is currently vacant and was placed on Preservation Chicago's list of most endangered historic properties. Unity Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 30, 1986, and was designated a Chicago Landmark on September 9, 1998. Although there were plans to convert the building into student housing, its current status is uncertain.

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