After the Chicago fire of 1871, many wealthy Chicagoans contracted European-trained architects to build new homes and mansions on the City's Near North side. Oak Street soon became the center of the expanding Gold Coast neighborhood and home to some of Chicago's most prominent families. With the turn of the Century, skyscrapers began to grow along neighboring Michigan avenue, but Oak Street retained its historical brownstone character and intimate scale, combining glamorous style with cozy informality.

Today Oak Street has become an International style center, housing many of the world's most exclusive boutiques and salons. It is a street which attracts shoppers from all over the world who seek only the best. Oak Street has become a true "destination", a street of dreams where excitement is generated by sophistication and great taste.

The Oak Street Council, started eleven years ago by Marilyn Miglin, and led today by Maureen Lampert, is comprised of shop owners and landlord/management companies on Oak Street and its adjacent neighborhood. Together we continue to be responsible for the attractive ambiance of the street. We are also involved in many projects designed to improve the quality of shopping on the street, advertising of stores and marketing of events and charitable endeavors which benefit not only Oak Street, but the city as a whole.