Near West Side , one of the 77 community areas of Chicago , is on the West Side , west of the Chicago River and adjacent to the Loop . The history of the Near West Side of Chicago includes the founding of Hull House , a prominent settlement house . The Great Chicago Fire started on the Near West Side . The area is home to the University of Illinois at Chicago ( UIC ) , Chicago-Kent College of Law , Stuart School of Business , the United Center and the Illinois Medical District
Great Chicago Fire
Great Chicago Fire
Near West Side, Chicago