This study investigated the historical development of the Gage Park community in Chicago, Illinois, including its population changes, education, income, racial composition, housing and crime. The results indicate that the community, which in the past has been primarily composed of persons of German ancestry, has experienced an influx of Latino and Black residents during the past 15 years. Gage Park High School became a center of protests and boycotts when the Chicago Board of Education redistricted the community, permitting Latinos and Blacks to enroll in the high school. This resulted in an exodus of white residents and a general population decrease. By 1980, 7.8 percent of the residents were living below the poverty level. Currently, there is a surplus of vacant housing units, and the median income level for new community residents is lower than that of prior residents. This reduced economic base parallels a rise in crime and a reduction in area community services. The study suggests that, if these trends continue into the 1990s, Gage Park will experience drastic social and economic changes. To prevent further community decay, new and long-term residents should begin to communicate and work together in order to encourage and support community activities and services and to attract more residents and businesses. Tables are included. Appendices include: (1) 1980 Gage Park census data; (2) a list of the 1970, 1980, and 1985 racial compositions of Chicago's communities; and (3) a report on crime in Chicago's communities. (JHP)