ROGERS PARK — Rogers Park is the 20th neighborhood to be featured in artist Joe Mills' ongoing project documenting the uniqueness of the city's communities one map at a time.
Staying true to the neighborhood boundaries between Devon and Ridge avenues, Howard Street, Juneway Terrace and Lake Michigan, the map highlights Rogers Park's reputation as a melting pot of residents. The word "welcome" is seen throughout in different languages, including German and Greek.
Beaches are stacked atop one another from Juneway all the way to Hartigan Beach, and a number of iconic neighborhood churches and schools are scattered about, seemingly on each block.
A long history of art and architecture is highlighted on the map, and, unsurprisingly, a "No Bike Riding on the Sidewalk" sign is featured as well.
The map is available in a limited print, with or without a frame, for $40 online.
The Chicago-to-Darien transplant, who teaches art part-time to elementary kids in suburban Aurora, has made maps of other neighborhoods before, including nearby Edgewater.
Neighborhoods with "sentimental value" were among his first maps, but after getting feedback from residents across the city, he said he began venturing into neighborhoods he was less familiar with.
He began his research process, carefully combing through data, historical information and other maps to get a feel for the layout. Then Mills made trips to the city to document buildings and special sites by taking photos before finally compiling them together in a cohesive design.
Mills' map captures some of Rogers Park most distinct businesses and buildings while also highlighting its diversity. [Joe Mills]
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