Old Irving Park was created in the mid1800s as a suburb of Chicago for wealthy families. As the population of Chicago grew, building expanded towards the suburbs and public transportation was created and Old Irving Park became park of the city. The area was still characterized by large single-family and bungalow style homes through the turn of the century but began to become urbanized with apartment style-homes after the Depression. With the help of a new Historical Society in the 1980s, Irving Park began to have its rebirth, as Chicagoans once again discovered its beautiful architecture and began flocking to the area to live. Featuring several parks and recreational centers, Irving Park today is again a popular spot for Chicago families.