Austin, located on the Chicagos west side, began as an upscale suburb built from railway riches. Created in 1865 by businessman and real estate investor Henry W. Austin, the neighborhood has one of the largest populations in Chicago. It was annexed to the city in 1899 much to the citizens dismay and has since experienced great community and economic transformations. From its wide roads, picturesque community parks and gorgeous architecture, Austin boasts some of Chicagos greatest historical locations. One of these buildings is the J.J. Walser Jr. House, located at 42 N. Central Ave. The building, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright was built in 1903, just four years after the neighborhood was annexed to the city. It is known to be one of his most significant buildings in the Chicagoland area. Although it is built on a narrow lot, the home still exhibits his well-known horizontal designs. Another city landmark in the neighborhood is the Hitchcock House, located at 5704 W. Ohio St. Built in 1871, the neighborhood was still an independent suburb known for the commuter railways. Build for railroad part executive Charles Hitchcock, the home is known for being one of the oldest houses in the community. The Fraternite Notre Dame is a breakaway Catholic church located in the neighborhood. It is one of four churches in the world in which the Fraternite Notre Dame operates. The church created controversy in 2000 when it opened up its main house for North America in the neighborhoods former Gammon United Methodist Church, which was built by renowned Cleveland architect Sidney Badgley. Laramie State Bank Building, located at 5200 W. Chicago Avenue, was constructed in 1927 by architects Querin Cook and Frederick Meyer. The art-deco style buildings exterior was covered in coins, beehives, quirrels and other symbols of savings and prosperity. The imagery was sculpted by the artisans of the Northwestn Terra Cotta Company in which Cook and Meyer worked for, and denotes some of Chicagos finest terra cotta work.

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