University Village Marketplace has historic beginnings dating back to the mid nineteenth century, as the location of Maxwell Street, the renowned former “open air market” that once served as the gateway for immigrants from all over the world.
This same area, once spared from the infamous Chicago Fire that started on its doorsteps, became the birthplace of the Chicago Blues, Maxwell Street Polishes, Jack Benny’s career, and more. The area has developed into University Village Marketplace, now a prime example of the great convergence of classic and modern Chicago, located at the south campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago.
University Village Marketplace possesses a vibrant and refreshing atmosphere infused with a variety of restaurants, taverns, retail outlets, and service shops. The businesses are conveniently dispersed throughout the area so all your whims can be satisfied only a few steps away.