The Harper Court Foundation

5211 S. Harper
Chicago, IL 60615
Phone: (773) 363-8282
Fax: (773) 363-8380
info@harpercourt.com

History & Purpose

The Harper Court Foundation -- a not-for-profit organization - was formed in 1963.  The first shops of Harper Court were opened in July 1965 and characterized by an eclectic mix of retailers, musicians and craftsmen that gave the new shopping center the charm and feel of an artists' colony.  As the commercial environment changed, prompting the move of many of these shops to new areas, the center gradually assumed the look that it has today, with its current balance of retailers, professional service providers and restauranteurs.

The primary objective of the Harper Court Foundation, HCF, includes helping to promote the economic development of Hyde Park-Kenwood by providing retail space to the 23 retail stores, restaurants and services of the shopping center at considerably more reasonable rates than many other area locales.  Programs offered under the authority of the Harper Court Foundation (HCF) are designed to promote ongoing cultural as well as economic development in the communities of Hyde Park and Kenwood.

While the principle focus of the Foundation is to lease commercial retail space to the businesses situated in Harper Court, it jointly operates with the Harper Court Arts Council to promote projects and provide the fiscal and operational support for each project.  Through such management, the Foundation maintains programmatic integrity and consistency with its mission.

The mission is defined by the Articles of Incorporation of HCF as promoting programs, individuals and activities, including those artistic and cultural in nature, that benefit the community by contributing to increased "employment, payroll, business volume" [and] cultural diversity of the Hyde Park-Kenwood neighborhood.  Education is an integral component of most of the programs, honoring a long tradition characterized by the recognition of Hyde Park as the focus of outstanding educational opportunities.  In the coming years, program expansion will remain an increasingly important goal.

Programs

Community Calendar Project

Each year the Foundation and community businesses underwrite the cost of producing a 16-month calendar featuring outstanding photography highlighting scenes of life in the Hyde Park-Kenwood community.  The calendar for 2000-2001 promises to be the best and most dramatic ever.  The calendar also notes important community events and has proven to be a useful guide to students and other newcomers from other cities and towns as they plan activities for the year.

Farmer's Market

As a host to the City of Chicago's Farmer's Markets, Harper Court brings farm fresh produce and specialty foods from Midwestern markets to the residents of and visitors to Hyde Park.  The weekly event is one more means by which the Foundation promotes a sense of community and attracts people to our unique neighborhood.

World Music Festival

In 1999, Harper Court served as one of the city's venues for the first ever World Music Festival presenting traditional and contemporary music of world cultures.  Harper Court again was one of the year 2000 venues.  The Festival is a joint production of two city departments, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and the Mayor's Office of Special Events, partnering with local organizations across the city.  The event attracts several hundred people to the Hyde Park.

Pumpkinfest

A signature Hyde Park holiday originally created for kids 12 years of age and under, the day is designed to teach children the art of pumpkin carving and celebrate the beginning of the harvest season.  The event is being expanded to appeal to people of all ages and to bring entire families together.

Sidewalk Sale

The merchants of Harper Court are featured in this two-day celebration.  The sale serves to raise the visibility of all of the merchants and provides Hyde Parkers with an opportunity to engage in a more friendly, leisurely interaction with area business people.

Breakfast With Santa

Parents purchase tickets to attend breakfast at Calypso or C'est Si Bon restaurants and have photographs of their children taken with Santa.  The event has been a fun way to mark the beginning of the Christmas season in Hyde Park and of course, brings families into Harper Court to promote additional business.

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