Marktown Historical District

The Marktown Historic District in East Chicago was built by Chicago Industrialist Clayton Mark as worker housing for the Mark Manufacturing Company, a major supplier of well points and commercial piping. Mr. Mark hired Chicago Howard Van Doren Shaw to design this most unique neighborhood.

This tiny enclave of 240 homes was built in 1917 in the English Garden City style with Tudor Revival homes set nicely at the street with side yards and ample gardens. Today, the neighborhood is totally surrounded by industry, with steel mills on three sides and the BP Amoco on the forth side. It is conveniently reached via the Riley Road exit of Cline Avenue. Architectural tours are available.