Alta Vista Terrace Historic District

Alta Vista Terrace Historic District is a short residential block in Chicago’s Lake View neighborhood, a few blocks from Wrigley Field. Its closely spaced row houses face one another across the street, with varied architectural details despite their similar scale. Developer Samuel Gross drew inspiration from London row houses, earning the street its nickname, “A Street of Forty Doors.” Walk the block to look at the façades and the “Duplicates” noted on a plaque. It is a quick architecture stop, not a visitor center or a full-length attraction.

A London-inspired row of homes

Alta Vista Terrace is a small block in Chicago’s Lake View neighborhood. Real-estate developer Samuel Gross conceived it after visiting London and seeing its row houses. The street is also known as “A Street of Forty Doors.”

The houses face one another across the street. Their similar scale gives the block a unified appearance, while differences in architectural style and decorative detail reward a closer look. The lots average about 24 by 40 feet, so the façades and their details occupy a compact stretch.

A short architecture walk

Alta Vista Terrace was designated a Chicago landmark in 1971. Walk along the block and compare the houses rather than passing through by car. A plaque refers to “Duplicates,” a detail to look for as you explore.

This is a residential street, not a staffed attraction with a visitor center. The walk takes only a few minutes, so it works best as a brief stop while you are already in the Lake View area or near Wrigley Field. For a quieter stroll, choose a weekday.