HomeOur Work, Our Impact

Our Work, Our Impact

Together, we are preserving the Gold Coast today for a thriving tomorrow.

2025
Impact Report

Advocate

The Gold Coast boasts architecturally significant historic homes and buildings. GCNA focuses on zoning issues to preserve the neighborhood's historic charm while supporting its vibrancy through responsible building. The Zoning Committee works with aldermen and residents to enforce zoning restrictions by reviewing proposals, gathering neighbor feedback, ensuring project integrity within the Gold Coast Historic District, and representing the neighborhood on food and liquor licensing.

Custom Bullet Points

Historic and Architectural Preservation

Neighbors and visitors alike are in awe of our unique, historic, beautifully preserved homes dating back to the 1880s redevelopment start after the Chicago Fire. Gold Coast Neighbors hosts members only events that provide our members with a unique glimpse into the history of our neighborhood and the buildings. We host and support meaningful Gold Coast history and educational programming for GCNA members, going behind the scenes to reveal unique facts about our neighborhood, while engaging attendees in fun and innovative ways through walking tours, Roof Top Tales with a birds’ eye view of the tops of our buildings, and special events in historically significant neighborhood buildings.

Parks

Parks are a focus of GCNA’s community. Through our regular cleanups and mulching events, we demonstrate commitment to maintaining our parks with done-in-a-day volunteering opportunities.

Goudy Park: At the heart of the Gold Coast is historic Goudy Park’s green space offering a respite for reading and socializing and a playground for children with their parents and grandparents. Along with our park clean up activities, Goudy Park is the home of exciting new GCNA programming:

Children’s Story Hour Series
Make Music Chicago
Ghouly Park Halloween Party

Lincoln Park: GCNA sought and was awarded a $500,000 Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grant which, along with an addition $100,000 GCNA secured from 43rd Ward Alderman Knudsen, will be used to repair pathways in south Lincoln Park. GCNA co-hosted community engagement meetings and surveys to gain neighbors’ views on the plan.

Police officer with new bulletproof vest

Enhance Safety

GCNA enhances Gold Coast safety through real-time communication with local police, sharing key information to prevent harm. The Safety Committee Chair addresses GCNA member questions, clearing up misconceptions. This hub fosters a secure, connected community for residents and visitors, providing a sense of security and community.

Safety Patrol: From Memorial Day through Labor Day, GCNA hires a private security firm to patrol our Gold Coast neighborhood on the weekends. These experienced, off-duty or retired police officers can intervene and protect neighbors and visitors during in-progress attacks and act as important witnesses to police. These “eyes and ears” on our streets deter crime and reports disturbances or observations to GCNA and the local police district.

Police Support: GCNA funds special requests and crime deterring equipment that support CPD’s protection of our neighborhood including a beach ATV trailer, parking lot cameras and license place reader cameras, specialized training for police officers who work in our district.

Behind the Vest: CPD bulletproof vests are damaged by a single bullet and deteriorate over time, yet officers must pay for replacements, costing $500+. The GCNA’s "Get Behind the Vest" fundraiser helps replace vests before the CPD fund is available.

Build Community

From lively events to meaningful initiatives, GCNA unites neighbors and community partners to celebrate, collaborate, and make our neighborhood thrive.

GCNA’s wide range of events and activities provides neighbors with meaningful opportunities to connect, build friendships, and strengthen our community bonds. Check them out!
GCNA’s Gold Coast Building Network brings condo association presidents, property managers, board members, and residents together to share best practices, resources, and ideas for improving safety, security, and building maintenance.
GCNA works with community organizations such as the Lincoln Park Conservancy to support park improvement projects. Big changes are underway! Check out the latest updates about the South Lincoln Park Renewal Project.
We collaborate with local businesses to explore improvement opportunities and create platforms that encourage neighbors to shop locally.