The neighborhood was commissioned in the early 20th century. Its initial purpose was as a collection of model homes that would overlook the prized
Jackson Park, which had hosted the World's Fair less than a decade prior. The neighborhood featured (and is still present) some of the most innovative concepts of the time, including large front yard setbacks, 50-foot lot widths, underground utilities, and no alleys. When Chicago annexed Hyde Park just in time for the 1890 census (to beat out
Philadelphia as the second largest metro-area in the nation), the Highlands were left under governorship of the South Shore area. At the time of
World War II, the neighborhood saw huge loss in residence and a destruction of the area was suggested. With the arrival of the 1970s, the neighborhood again began to rise as a major thoroughfare of South Side luxury. It was designated a
Chicago Landmark on October 25, 1989. House prices now range from about $300,000 to $1.5 million. ==Notable people==