Bryn Mawr Revitalization
In this post:
Economic Development Initiatives
Historic Preservation
Public Safety
Development & Infrastructure
Art & Place Making
In recent years, the Bryn Mawr Historic District has become unrecognizable from its heyday. The once thriving commercial corridor was hit hard by the combination of the COVID pandemic and the four-year Red-Purple Line Modernization Project construction. Vacant storefronts and empty streets became the landscape.
Since taking office, Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth has been laser focused on the revitalization of Bryn Mawr, opening her office on the corridor, convening the Bryn Mawr Alliance, and bringing in resources from city departments and local community organizations. As a result of this hard work, we’re seeing a transformation of the corridor, and we’re not done yet!
Our long term vision is a thriving, pedestrian-oriented business district and destination that represents our diverse community, preserves historic charm, supports small businesses, and celebrates arts and culture to strengthen the streets future. Read below about the work going on along Bryn Mawr and how you can get involved.
Economic Development
We have worked tirelessly with property owners, the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, the Uptown Business Center, and realtors to fill 15 vacant storefronts on the Bryn Mawr corridor since the pandemic including Hamburger Mary’s, Dulce de Leche, Sip & Savor, and more!
Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth launched a Door-to-Door Business Tour where she has visited over 100 businesses in the 48th ward to share resources including the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF). The Small Business Improvement Fund is one tool that we use to invest in the 48th ward small businesses, offering grant opportunities up to $150,000 for commercial properties. Past SBIF grant recipients in the 48th ward have included Mella Café (5418 N Broadway) and Jenny's Tofu (5426 N Broadway). Click the links to see these 48th Ward business owners talk about the impact that SBIF had on their business.
Developed the Bryn Mawr Avenue Business and Service Guide in collaboration with Bryn Mawr Alliance volunteers and the Chamber of Commerce to promote local businesses.
Engaged with the community on the Bryn Mawr survey: Bryn Mawr Survey Reflects Optimism for Future.
We are collaborating with the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce to bring a new post-pride event to Bryn Mawr starting in 2026! More information to come!
Historic Preservation
We are actively working with the Department of Planning & Development and Edgewater Historical Society on making the Bryn Mawr from Broadway to Sheridan a Chicago Landmark District. This would offer real protection for our historic buildings on the corridor, and ensure the Bryn Mawr Historic District lasts for generations to come. We have completed an assessment of the buildings and hosted two community meetings with building owners.
We worked closely with the owners of the Bryn Mawr and Belle Shore on a multi-million dollar investment into these two Chicago Landmarks including essential tuckpointing.
Public Safety
Public Safety is our office’s number one priority, and the biggest concern for small business owners investing in our community. We are proud to say that crime is down in the 48th ward and on the Bryn Mawr corridor specifically. A few key public safety initiatives focused on Bryn Mawr include:
Strengthened our relationship with CPD and Small Business Owners
Brought CPD foot patrol back to Bryn Mawr
Collaborated with CPD, the State’s Attorney’s Office, and small business owners to make key arrests
Fixed broken POD cameras
Enrolled buildings in the Trespassing Affidavit program
Co-hosted positive loitering activities
Housed 60+ people living in tents in the 48th ward
Addressed issues in the bike grid to get cyclists off of sidewalks
Development & Infrastructure
The new fully-accessible CTA Stations opened this year! The Bryn Mawr station includes escalators, elevators, public art, and a new entrance/exit on Hollywood.
Passed Green Social Housing Ordinance!
Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth championed a new affordable housing tool, Green Social Housing. It passed City Council in spring 2025 and the Alderwoman is negotiating with CTA and DOH to bring one of the first Green Social Housing Developments to Broadway and Bryn Mawr. The development would be 40% affordable and 60% market rate. Read more here:
Broadway Land Use Framework Approved by Plan Commission
In February 2025, after an extensive community engagement process, the Chicago Plan Commission voted to pass the Broadway Land Use Framework. The framework takes us one step closer to realizing our community’s vision for the future of Broadway from Devon to Montrose as a pedestrian-friendly corridor with thriving businesses and diverse housing stock. Read more here:
Under-L Activation
Throughout 2025, we collaborated with CTA on a number of community engagements sessions attended by hundreds of residents to envision new public spaces under the L, including at Bryn Mawr. The final designs were shared earlier this year and will be built in 2026. Read more here:
Decorative Cross-Walks
Secured funding for decorative cross-walks throughout the Bryn Mawr Historic District through Participatory Budgeting.
People Places
Added People Places to Broadway/Bryn Mawr, and Broadway/Winthrop.
Collaborated with BACP to approve two sidewalk cafes along Bryn Mawr.
Infrastructure Improvements
Through Participatory Budgeting and the Aldermanic Menu fund, we have fixed sidewalks, alleys, tree grates, and more along Bryn Mawr and throughout the Ward.
Art and Place-Making
We installed “Bryn Mawr Historic District Pavers” on Broadway at the entrance to the historic district.
We secured $50,000 for Public Art through Participatory Budgeting.
We are bringing the “Bryn Mawr Historic District” banners back to the corridor very soon!