Roosevelt Square is also part of University Village and is basically condo’s. This mix used development rest on what used to be a big portion of the CHA ABLA homes housing project. This area is also part of Taylor street which is also home to some of Chicago’s best Italian restaurants. I would highly recommend Rosals at Taylor and Racine it has the best Tiramisu around!  One observation about Roosevelt square as they have just finished up Phase 1 and beginning the next phase is so far the condos and multi unit buildings are rather bland in architecture and design. I hope the next  phase has more character. The next phase also plans to have more commercial space.

University Commons which rest on 14th pl. and 15th st between Morgan and Racine is an historically landmarked building that has a lot of character  reflective of its original structure….The South Water Street produce Market. This complex is comprised of 6 separate buildings but with all  the same in design. The complex was re-built by the Enterprise Companies and they painstakingly refinished the beautiful facade. These buildings used to be what was know as the "South Water Street Market" where all the produce would come in to individually stalled row warehouses by horse and buggy. Eventually by the 1990’s many business’ left these buildings to move their warehouses to larger facilities near I-55 and Ashland. This happened mainly because the buildings became dilapidated and it simply was too difficult and congested for the 18 wheeled  trucks to maneuver while trying to offload their goods. These buildings were gutted to the cement structure and rebuilt one building at a time over the last 5 years.

Today, University Commons is nearly all sold and a very thriving, well landscaped complex. Each building has a workout facility, party room and all owners have access to the 30 seat movie theater and in ground pool. Yes,an in ground pool in Chicago. These building have many different floor plans from 1 bedroom 1 bath to 3bedroom 2bath duplex units with penthouses and private decks.  Every lobby in the complex has a fruit theme reflecting to the original purpose of the buildings as a fruit market. So there is certainly a lot of character to this part of University Village.

Chicago is made up of many different neighborhoods, but what makes them all so unique is the difference between them all.
Take for example University Village, which is defined by these boundaries, to the east is the Dan Ryan expressway (90/94), to the south is 16th St (actually the train line), to the west is Racine, and to the north is Roosevelt road.

University Village is anchored by Halsted and Maxwell Streets the original home to Chicago’s Blues music. From Roosevelt road to 15th place you can find many different shops like restaurants, boutique stores, and numerous bars. This area really seems to be thriving and full of people enjoying the neighborhood.  

University Village, is named because it rest on the south edge of  The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and also the university used to own much of the land here.  There are a few smaller neighborhoods within University Village (others may say developments). Those communities are  Ivy Hall, University Commons, University Village, University Station, and  Roosevelt square.

Probably one of the strongest themes throughout University Village is the amount of open and green space available. From the huge UIC softball fields, tennis courts, and running track, which the public can use, to the many nice kids parks, and smaller well manicured courtyards.