Chicago’s Ukrainian Village officially designated Cultural District of Illinois

CHICAGO – The Ukrainian Village neighborhood in Chicago’s West Town district has officially been designated a Cultural District. 

This honor is held by only 15 neighborhoods across the entire state of Illinois and just six within the city of Chicago, the Illinois division of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) said.

The designation lasts for 10 years with the possibility of renewal. Along with the status, the neighborhood will receive funding to preserve its history, culture, and its role as a home for Ukrainians in Illinois.

“We were joined by clergy and community leaders, whose presence grounded this moment in our shared faith, heritage, and unity,” UCCA Illinois said.

The community emphasized that this recognition is especially meaningful now, as Russia wages a brutal war against Ukraine, seeking to erase Ukrainian identity.

“And when we hear that much of the world has grown tired of hearing about the war in Ukraine the State of Illinois stands as a beacon of humanity — offering not only refuge, but recognition, economic opportunity, and the chance to preserve and elevate our culture for generations to come,” UCCA Illinois said.

UCCA Illinois expressed gratitude to the state government and community representatives for this achievement.

“We look forward to the day when we can invite everyone to the Ukrainian Village, now officially designated Cultural District to celebrate Ukraine’s Victory Day,” the statement said.

The historic Chicago neighborhood is known as a center of Ukrainian culture, traditions, and a binding community in the U.S. It is home to Ukrainian churches, cultural institutions, restaurants, and shops. The area plays an important role in preserving Ukrainian identity abroad and serves as a gathering place for Ukrainians and their descendants.