Old Town Merchants & Residents Association Information

The Old Town Merchants & Residents Association is the organization tasked with promoting Chicago's historic Old Town neighborhood, and the businesses, residents and visitors that give it life. The business district is popular with locals and tourists alike for its eclectic restaurants and bars, unique specialty shops and retailers, and world-class comedy/theatre from Zanies, A Red Orchid Theatre and the legendary Second City improv group. Our boundaries are Clark Street to the east, Halsted Street to the west, Eugenie/North Avenue to the north, and Division Street to the south. The OTMRA office, under the direction of its Board of Directors, produces marketing materials, advertising, social media campaigns and events to bring positive attention to the neighborhood. The largest event -- the Wells Street Art Festival -- attracts over 250 artists and designers annually, with attendance approaching 40,000 over two days. Additionally, OTMRA acts as a small business liaison, providing information and assistance to our merchants and to the City of Chicago. We perform regular beautification efforts including power washing, street cleaning, planting, decorations and way-finding. In 2012, Realtor.com voted Old Town the "Hottest Neighborhood in America" based on zip code searches by the site's visitors.