Belmont Central is a Chicago neighborhood located in the Belmont Cragin community area. It is on the Northwest side of Chicago. During the 1920s a retail shopping district began to develop along Belmont Avenue, and it became known as Belmont Central. There were large department stores such as Goldblatt’s, Woolworth’s, and JC Penney. These stores are now located in the Brickyard Mall. There was also the Will Rogers theater, which was demolished. The area is now primarily Hispanic, but many Polish and Italian businesses also still remain.
I worked in the Belmont Central Area as an assistant manager at a retail store after graduating college and I shopped there a lot as a child. My husband and I also used to go to the Will Rogers theater to watch Disney movies. I enjoyed visiting the Belmont Central area last week. I loved the mixture of the Polish, Italian and Mexican cultures I experienced there…..especially the large variety of ethnic foods available at Tony’s Fresh Market!
Great Pictures. I can’t wait to go to Tony’s Fresh Market.
Thanks Suzette. I know you will love Tony’s Fresh Market.
Great pictures as usual! I always feel like I’ve
gone on a walk with you through these neighborhoods. I especially loved the pictures with the architectural details and the variety and bright colors! Thank you!
Thanks Lori. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the photos. That’s exactly what I hope viewers feel….that they’re walking through the neighborhoods!