The Commission on Chicago Landmarks is considering granting preliminary landmark status to the Bryn Mawr Historic District in Edgewater, according to a Mar. 25 announcement. The district includes Bryn Mawr Avenue from Broadway to Sheridan Road and notable buildings such as the Edgewater Beach Apartments, Belle Shore Apartment Hotel, and Manor House.
The potential designation could bring new financial incentives and preservation opportunities for the area. Landmark status would open eligibility for programs like Adopt A Landmark, which provides grants for restoration projects.
Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (48th), whose ward includes the district, said her office is located within its boundaries. “We want Bryn Mawr to be a destination, and this is one other way for us to distinguish ourselves,” Manaa-Hoppenworth told Block Club. She also said that while the district is already listed on the National Register of Historic Places, city landmarking could help attract investment: “It’s the heart of Edgewater, and it’s just seen not enough investment.”
To move forward with landmarking, buildings must meet at least two of seven criteria set by the commission. If granted a preliminary recommendation during an April 2 hearing, several steps would follow: a report from the Department of Planning and Development, consultations with building owners, a public hearing, another commission vote, then review by City Council committees before final approval.
John Holden, president of the Edgewater Historical Society, welcomed news about progress toward local landmarking. He said it was “an important step forward especially at a time when there’s increased pressure for knocking down beautiful old buildings.” Holden noted that some structures date back to the 1890s and highlighted their cultural significance: “It was culturally significant as well in that it’s basically where the first business district of Edgewater started by the man who first developed the area John Lewis Cochran.” He added: “We’re hopeful that some of the buildings that are in more dilapidated states will start getting some of renovations they’ve needed for some time.”
The Bryn Mawr corridor has faced challenges in recent years due to pandemic-related business losses and prolonged construction linked to Red Line improvements but has recently seen new businesses open along with completion of station renovations.
