Landmarking the Bryn Mawr Historic District
Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth has given the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) the green light to move forward with exploring Chicago Landmark District eligibility for the 900 - 1100 blocks of Bryn Mawr Avenue. The Bryn Mawr Historic District is a cultural and architectural treasure, and we are taking an important step towards protecting this important piece of Edgewater and Chicago history for generations to come.
In early 2025, Ald. Manaa-Hoppenworth asked DPD to explore the feasibility of landmarking the Bryn Mawr Historic District. DPD Coordinating Planner Eiliesh Tuffy surveyed the District’s 22 properties and ultimately determined that the district would be a great candidate for landmark consideration. Since then, we’ve met with property owners and other stakeholders to brief them on the benefits, impacts, and responsibilities of the designation. Next, we’ll make our case to the Commission on Chicago Landmarks (CCL) on April 2nd.
Thank you to our Bryn Mawr Alliance volunteers, Landmarks Illinois, and the Edgewater Historical Society for their assistance in our community engagement and property owner outreach efforts. Read the press release here. Read more about this significant historic preservation effort below.
What is the purpose of a Chicago Landmark District?
A Chicago Landmark District is a local designation for an area that preserves historically significant buildings and the historic character of a place. It protects historically significant buildings from teardown and ensures that development considers the aesthetics and character of the district. It may also provide a property owner the opportunity to utilize local financial incentives for rehabilitation. More information about designating a Chicago Landmark District can be found in the Chicago Landmarks Ordinance.
Significance of the Bryn Mawr Commercial Corridor
Our Bryn Mawr corridor from Broadway to Sheridan is the historic commercial core of Edgewater and is integral to the 48th ward community. The proposed Bryn Mawr Chicago Landmark District is expected to follow the same boundaries as the existing National Register Bryn Mawr Historic District. The Bryn Mawr Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 20, 1995 (NHRP #95000482). As a National Register Historic District, Bryn Mawr is officially recognized by the National Park Service as an area of historical, architectural, and cultural significance.
The Historic District includes some of the oldest buildings in Edgewater, dating back to the 1890s, and is significant for its pedestrian-oriented, dense, and diverse designs hosting retail on the ground floor and residences above. Buildings in the district reflect a variety of architectural styles including Tudor Revival, French Romanesque Revival, Late Gothic Revival, Italian Renaissance Revival, and Art Deco.
What’s Next?
The next step in the landmark district designation process is for DPD to create a report that will go before the Commission on Chicago Landmarks on April 2nd. After the CCL hears our proposal, the Chicago Landmark District designation process takes about one year before going to City Council for a vote.
Where is the proposed Bryn Mawr Chicago Landmark District?
The proposed Bryn Mawr Chicago Landmark District is along Bryn Mawr east of Broadway.
