To know Chicago is to know the “L”—a beloved, bustling fixture of city life that rumbles overhead and snakes underground, connecting neighborhoods and stories across more than a century. Short for “elevated,” the “L” isn’t just a transit system. It’s an enduring emblem of Chicago’s ingenuity, resilience, and urban identity.

At Optima®, we understand how essential great transportation is to vibrant city living. That’s why communities like Optima Lakeview® and Optima Signature® are conveniently located near key “L” lines, giving residents seamless access to everything the city has to offer—whether it’s a quick ride downtown to work or a weekend trip to the Garfield Park Conservatory.

Born from Innovation—and Necessity
The origins of the “L” date back to the late 19th century, when Chicago was growing at breakneck speed. After the Great Fire of 1871, the city underwent a massive rebuilding and expansion effort. But with growth came congestion: horse-drawn streetcars and cable cars clogged the streets, and pedestrians competed with carts, carriages, and early automobiles. The city needed a new way to move people quickly and efficiently—without taking up precious surface space.

Enter the elevated train.

On June 6, 1892, the first “L” train made its inaugural run along the South Side Rapid Transit line, carrying passengers from 39th Street to Congress Street in wooden cars powered by steam locomotives. Though the ride was loud, dirty, and a bit jarring, it offered an exciting new alternative: a bird’s-eye commute through the city.

By the turn of the century, electric power had replaced steam, and the “L” had begun to form its now-familiar loop downtown. In 1897, a series of elevated lines were linked by a rectangular circuit known as the “Union Loop,” giving the central business district its nickname and the system a structural heart.

The Loop: More Than a Track
The creation of the Loop helped define downtown Chicago itself, transforming transit in the process. Architecturally and socially, the Loop became a boundary and a bridge. It concentrated commerce, created a gravitational pull for development, and gave the city its skyline rhythm—steel girders and train cars cutting across sun-drenched streets.

Over time, the “L” evolved into a system of color-coded lines that stretch from Evanston to the South Side, from Oak Park to O’Hare. The system remains one of only a few in the U.S. that still includes elevated tracks in the urban core.

For residents of Optima Lakeview®, nestled in a neighborhood rich with character on Chicago’s North Side, the nearby Brown Line offers a direct route to the Loop—perfect for daily commutes or weekend adventures. Meanwhile, Optima Signature®, located in the heart of Streeterville, puts residents just steps away from multiple “L” stops and transit hubs, making it easy to explore every corner of the city.

Moments of Modernization
The 20th century brought dramatic change to the “L.” Wooden cars gave way to streamlined steel ones. Manual controls were replaced by automatic signals. The system expanded, integrating suburban commuter services and adopting new lines to meet the needs of a shifting population.

Notably, the 1950s saw the launch of the Congress Line, which ran down the median of the newly built Eisenhower Expressway—a pioneering combination of rail and highway planning. The 1980s and 1990s ushered in renovations to aging stations, and the naming system changed to colors in 1993, simplifying what had become a complex array of named lines.

Today’s “L” is a 24/7 operation—one of the few major urban rail systems in the world to run all day, every day.

Cultural Icon, Civic Backbone
More than just infrastructure, the “L” is a character in the story of Chicago. It’s been immortalized in films like The Fugitive and While You Were Sleeping, and it’s a regular presence in television shows like Chicago P.D. and Shameless. Its stations and cars have hosted jazz musicians, protestors, lovers, tourists, and tired workers heading home.

It’s a place of overheard conversations, lost gloves, spontaneous poetry, and democratic density—where millionaires and minimum-wage workers share space and time, bound by steel rails and a common destination.

Looking Forward
In recent years, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has invested heavily in modernization. Projects like the Red & Purple Modernization Program aim to replace century-old infrastructure and increase capacity. Plans are also underway to extend the Red Line further south, connecting communities that have historically been underserved by public transit.

And while challenges remain—aging infrastructure, funding gaps, and fluctuating ridership—the “L” continues to adapt. It has survived two world wars, the Great Depression, the rise of the automobile, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Each time, it has emerged with new relevance.

A Ride Worth Taking
For newcomers, the “L” can feel like a puzzle: clattering tracks, cryptic transfers, platforms suspended above intersections. But to longtime Chicagoans, it’s second nature—a steady, familiar hum in the background of daily life. It’s not just how they get from place to place. It’s part of where they’re from, ensuring the city’s culture, commerce, and creativity are always within reach.

With remote work reshaping how—and where—we live, the “workcation” has emerged as a compelling new model. As a lifestyle shift, it’s a way to blend productivity and leisure in a setting that supports both the hustle and the exhale. And in Scottsdale, where the sun shines more than 300 days a year and the desert landscape fuels inspiration, there’s no better place to make work feel like a privilege than within an Optima® community.

Whether it’s Optima Sonoran Village®, Optima Kierland Apartments®, or Optima McDowell Mountain®, each Optima community is uniquely designed for those who crave a seamless work-life blend, offering a powerful alternative to the standard office—or the standard vacation.

Where Desert Beauty Meets Digital Productivity
Scottsdale has long been known for its natural splendor, award-winning dining, and cultural vibrancy. Now, it’s becoming a destination of choice for professionals looking to recharge without stepping away from their careers. The city’s infrastructure—from high-speed connectivity to world-class access to nature—makes it easy to plug in by morning and power down by sunset.

But while hotels and co-working spaces offer short-term convenience, Optima® communities provide something far more valuable: a place where remote work becomes a lifestyle. Picture a Zoom call with Camelback Mountain as your backdrop, a brainstorming session poolside under the Arizona sun, or a post-meeting hike just minutes from your front door.

Optima® Living: Built for the Workcation Life
Each Optima® community in Scottsdale is thoughtfully designed with the remote professional in mind. Spacious, light-filled residences come equipped with high-speed internet, flexible floor plans, and floor-to-ceiling windows that transform everyday work into something extraordinary. Whether you’re immersed in a project from a sunlit balcony or catching up on emails from a sleek kitchen island, your workspace never feels routine.

At Optima Sonoran Village®, you’re steps from Old Town’s art galleries, wine bars, and walkable charm. Optima Kierland Apartments® puts you in the heart of North Scottsdale, surrounded by upscale shopping and dining—with a sky deck that rivals any resort. Optima McDowell Mountain®, nestled at the edge of the preserve, offers serene mountain views, lush landscaping, and a peaceful setting that makes focus feel effortless.

Wherever you land, you’ll find an environment curated for both calm and clarity—making it easier to hit deadlines without sacrificing your sense of place.

Amenities That Inspire and Restore
The workcation model means access to experiences that recharge the mind and body. At Optima®, it’s all right outside your door. Break up your workday with a rooftop swim, a steam in the sauna, or a workout in a state-of-the-art fitness center. Take meetings from the lounge, sketch ideas in a sun-drenched courtyard, or unwind with yoga as the sun sets behind the mountains.

Need a reset between back-to-back video calls? Step into a landscaped oasis designed with biophilic principles that bring the natural world closer. These are not amenities for the sake of luxury—they’re tools for staying grounded, focused, and creatively engaged.

Connection Without Commute
One of the great challenges of remote work is isolation—but Optima® communities offer the opposite: connection. From resident events and on-site clubs to casually crossing paths in shared green spaces, you’ll find opportunities to meet neighbors, spark new friendships, and even build collaborative networks.

With flexible leasing and furnished residences available, these communities offer a smooth landing whether you’re staying for a season or finding your next long-term home.

The Ultimate Work-Life Balance, Just Outside Your Door
Optima®’s Scottsdale communities place you in close proximity to everything that makes the city ideal for a workcation: canal paths for early-morning runs, desert trails for evening reflection, and a cultural calendar that includes world-class art, music, and cuisine. From sunrise yoga to rooftop happy hours, the rhythm of life here is naturally restorative.

Your Desert Office Awaits
Choosing a workcation in Scottsdale doesn’t mean pausing your ambition—it means supporting it with space, beauty, and balance. And in an Optima® residence, those values aren’t aspirational—they’re built into every square foot.

So go ahead: bring your laptop, bring your goals, bring your appetite for sunshine and spacious living.

At Optima®, we’re proud to be an integral part of Chicago, a city whose grand landmarks and marquee attractions also offer a quieter layer of civic storytelling—one that lives not in guidebooks, but on the corners of our daily routes. Look up as you stroll through neighborhoods like Bronzeville, Pilsen, or Andersonville, and you may spot a green-and-white street sign with an extra name perched above the official one: Honorary John Doe Way, Honorary Sister Mary Johnson Avenue, or Honorary Mr. G’s Corner. These signs are small in scale but monumental in meaning.

They’re part of one of Chicago’s most heartfelt hidden gems—an unassuming tradition that honors the people who have helped shape the soul of the city. Unlike statues or plaques, honorary street signs don’t draw crowds or headlines. They blend into the cityscape, quietly reminding us that greatness often begins at the block level.

So, how does someone come to be recognized with an honorary street sign? Who gets to join this constellation of civic recognition? It’s not about celebrity or wealth—it’s about service, vision, and making a tangible difference in the lives of others. The process, like the program itself, is rooted in neighborhood pride, grassroots initiative, and a deep love for the people who make Chicago what it is.

Here’s how it works.

What Is an Honorary Street Sign?
Before diving into the process, it’s important to note that these tributes are honorary. The signs don’t change a street’s official name or mailing address. Instead, they mark a stretch of road—typically one or two blocks long—as a commemorative space. They serve as visible, public reminders of people who have shaped their communities in meaningful ways.

Step 1: Make Your Case
The first step is having someone—often a family member, friend, community organization, or local alderperson—propose the idea. The nominee must have a strong connection to Chicago and a history of service or achievement. While many honorees are well-known, the program also celebrates local heroes: educators, volunteers, faith leaders, and others who might not be famous, but are deeply admired in their neighborhoods.

A general rule of thumb: the honoree should be someone whose contributions reflect positively on the city and whose name on a sign would inspire civic pride.

Step 2: Gather Support
Next, the proposer needs to gather community support. This often includes letters from residents, business owners, schools, or religious institutions in the area where the honorary street would be installed. These letters help demonstrate that the honoree is respected, appreciated, and deserving of public recognition.

In some cases, a petition may be circulated to collect signatures from neighbors and local stakeholders. This step reinforces the idea that the sign isn’t just a symbolic gesture—it’s a tribute endorsed by the community.

Step 3: Work With the Alderman

Every Chicago ward has an alderperson who serves as the elected representative on City Council. The proposal for an honorary street must go through the alderman whose ward includes the proposed location. If the alderman supports the initiative, they’ll sponsor a formal ordinance to bring before the City Council.

Often, the honoree or their supporters work with the alderman’s office to determine an appropriate location for the sign—usually near the honoree’s home, workplace, or site of community impact.

Step 4: City Council Approval
Once the ordinance is introduced, it goes to the City Council Committee on Transportation and Public Way for consideration. If approved, it moves on to the full City Council for a final vote.

These ordinances are typically passed without controversy—especially when they’re backed by strong community support and championed by a local alderman.

Step 5: The Sign Goes Up
Once approved, the city’s Department of Transportation installs the honorary sign. A small dedication ceremony may follow, often attended by the honoree (if living), their family, and members of the community. It’s a moment of celebration—an intersection between personal legacy and public space.

More Than a Name
Chicago’s honorary street names form a patchwork of personal histories stitched into the urban fabric. They mark the places where ordinary people have done extraordinary things—where music was played, meals were served, minds were shaped, and lives were lifted.

Getting a street named after you in Chicago is more than an honor. It’s a signpost of memory, a landmark of gratitude, and a permanent part of a city that never forgets the people who make it great.

Want to learn more about the rich history of Chicago’s honorary street signs? Check out the Honorary Chicago website!