Pleasant District

Formerly The South Marion Association, The Pleasant District is a volunteer-driven organization representing businesses on South Marion Street, just south of downtown Oak Park. The Pleasant District is easily accessible by car, bike and the CTA, and a wonderful place for great food, fine antiques, spa services, jewelry and more.

In June 2011, a $5.4 million dollar renovation of South Marion Street began to upgrade streets, curbs, sidewalks and aging sewer and water lines in The Pleasant District. Designed by Chicago-based landscape architecture and planning firm The Lakota Group, the streetscape will complement the districts historical roots.

Growing out of the Village of Oak Park’s work to create a unified name and identity for the three downtown areas – South Marion, Downtown Oak Park and The Avenue – the village enlisted the expertise of Chicago-based brand consultancy a5 inc. to create a new identity for the organization and shopping destination. a5 recommended changing the name of The Pleasant District, in part because Pleasant Street runs through the neighborhood, but also because of the proximity to the historic Pleasant Home, which was designed in 1897 by prairie school architect George Maher. The home is one of the earliest and most distinguished examples of Prairie School architecture and is the finest surviving example of Maher’s work. Though Maher designed more than 300 structures in the Unites States, Pleasant Home is the only Maher building open to the public as a museum. Pleasant Home is a beloved Oak Park treasure and destination for visitors to Oak Park from throughout the world, who come to enjoy the well-known Chicago suburb’s rich architectural, historic and cultural offerings.

Surrounding the Pleasant Home, Mills Park is also going through a renovation. With a master plan designed by Chicago-based landscape landscape architecture and planning firm Altamanu, Mills Park will feature new entrances, a renovated path, native plant displays and signage displaying the site’s history and information on plant life.

While construction on the Pleasant District will be completed in November 2011, all businesses remain open.