37th Historic HouseWalk: Peterson Woods at The West Edge of West Ridge

Join us in the southwestern corner of West Ridge for a tour of the historic homes of Peterson Woods. This tucked-away neighborhood on the bank of the North Shore Channel was originally one small part of the land owned by Peter Peterson, the namesake of Peterson Avenue, who founded the Rosehill Nursery and at the end of the 19th Century was the largest landowner in Chicago. Visit homes built from 1926 to 1937 after Peterson’s widow and son divested their holdings and became important philanthropists, donating land that became North Park Village and the Mary Gage Peterson Elementary School, as well as supporting other charitable causes.

The homes of Peterson Woods are a mix of classic Chicago bungalows and more elegant European Revival styles, all beautifully updated for 21st Century living. Several have back yards bordering Legion Park and the North Shore Channel, creating an idyllic community offering a close-to-nature haven in this secluded corner at the very edge of West Ridge.

The annual Historic HouseWalk has been neighborhood tradition for decades, and is a major source of RPWRHS funding. Ticket donations support other RPWRHS educational programs and outreach activities such as our content-rich website and social media, online photo archive and free-to-all Living History programs. RPWRHS members may use their member discount for up to ten tickets, so invite your friends and family for a Sunday afternoon stroll through history, guided by the people who live in these lovely homes today.

Walk-in participants are welcome on the day of the event, but preregistration and prepayment makes your check-in faster and easier. The registration tent will be near the East Playground of Legion Park. Enter at the corner of Virginia and Hollywood Avenues.