The Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago is quickly developing into a destination for the younger and single crowd. While this is great news for developers and construction companies who get to build new high-rise condominiums and apartment complexes, not everyone is benefiting from the influx of new people.

Logan Square, which is just northwest of the loop, west of Wicker Park and north of Humboldt Park, was, according to the Logan Square Preservation web site, "Originally settled by immigrants who came to this country penniless but established businesses and, through hard work, made their fortunes." However, the aristocracy of the time in Chicago would not accept these new millionaries as equals and thus did not want them living in the same neighborhoods. As a result, they settled along the now historic Boulevards in Logan Square

Over the past 20 years, Logan Square has gone through some major demographic changes. According to Chicago's New Communities Program web site, redevelopment is displacing many low- and moderate-income families. The rising cost of housing is forcing people to leave.

The site reports, "East of California Avenue, tidy brick two-flats and ma-and-pa storefronts are yielding to townhouse complexes and condo mini-towers boasting jacuzzi baths and terrazzo kitchens." The influx of younger single people into Logan Square is is also adversely affecting other areas.

Because many low- and moderate-income families are being forced to vacate Logan Square due to the rising cost of living, schools around the area are becoming under populated, according to the NCP.

The rising cost of living has had adverse effects on some landowners as well, namely those renting to people. The NCP expects many landlords to convert from apartments to condominiums, which will only force more people out of Logan Square in the future. Almost 20% of people in Logan Square are living below the povery line, and the diminshing number of apartments available to these people will force them out, only furthering the problems with underpopulated schools and vacated buildings. Wayne Seick, a land owner and long time resident of Logan Square, said, "They almost closed St. John Birchman due to the lack of students. Luckily, they avoided having to do so."

Seick recalls the drastic change in prices over the years. "Back in the mid 80's, I was offered the six flat next door for $278,000 dollars," Seick says. "That was for the whole building. I said 'I don't want to own two six flats on Logan Boulevard.' Now, single units in that building are going for around $350,000 each."

However, the redevelopment of Logan Square has its advantages for the community as well. According to the NCP, recently a new health center has been built, along with new middle and high schools. Also, gangs are less prevalent and many vacant lots around the area are being developed. As Seick recalled, "Many of the old buildings were completly run down. They began rehabing the buildings about 15 years ago." He also mentioned that when he first purchased his building, it was completly covered in dirt, it's stones covered in black dirt.

If the current trend continues, soon the Hispanic and African America families that made up most of the population of Logan Square will be gone almost entirely, replaced by younger, single people who can afford the rising prices of the housing in the area. Soon chains will replace the ma-and-pa shops. Perhaps a Starbucks on every other corner along with the new 7-11.