Bryn Mawr Survey Reflects Optimism for Future

This spring, the Bryn Mawr Alliance launched a survey to gather community input on what will make the Historic Bryn Mawr Avenue a thriving place. In the survey, the Alliance asked community members for their thoughts on Bryn Mawr and what could be improved. Over 350 members of the community shared their thoughts on Bryn Mawr.

• Of survey respondents, almost 50% live near the Bryn Mawr stop.

• 39% of respondents visit Bryn Mawr weekly; 

• 30% daily, 22% monthly, and the remainder less frequently. 

Survey respondents see Bryn Mawr as a neighborhood with tremendous potential and deep architectural charm, but facing lingering challenges around storefront vacancies and safety concerns. 

Many respondents see Bryn Mawr as having potential and opportunity; they see room for growth, revival, and a unique and creative identity that hasn’t been realized yet. They also see Bryn Mawr’s unique historic architecture. The physical beauty and historical charm of the area are valued—people want to preserve and highlight this. There is great appreciation for the local business community that has grown on Bryn Mawr. Respondents have also felt that Bryn Mawr has been underutilized and appears run-down. There is concern over safety and loitering, especially in the evenings or less active areas, and for pedestrians as well. 

Lack of restaurants and lack of retail were cited as the top two things that prevents people from visiting Bryn Mawr, which makes the Bryn Mawr Alliance even more excited by recent and upcoming arrivals of Solar Intentions, Hamburger Mary’s, Teranga African Restaurant, Fried Egg Cafe, and Transistor Chicago. The Bryn Mawr Alliance was excited to see the reporting of Bryn Mawr’s renaissance in Block Club in August and the highlighting of the many businesses and restaurants revitalizing the district. We launched the Bryn Mawr Business Guide to celebrate the Bryn Mawr CTA station opening and to raise awareness of the many businesses on, and soon to come to, Bryn Mawr. The Alliance has also interviewed store owners to understand their needs and invite their suggestions for improvement.

Many residents cited a perception of crime as another factor that prevents them from visiting Bryn Mawr. To address the perception of crime and in response to the Bryn Mawr Alliance’s survey findings, the 48th Ward Office is working with various City departments and agencies to clean and maintain the streetscape, address pedestrian safety, and provide more eyes on the street. The Bryn Mawr Alliance continues to act as a bridge to the greater Bryn Mawr community and can assist in planning and organizing activities that will further activate the corridor. We are eager to see the continued impact of increased police presence, of greater activity on the street due to the re-opening of the CTA stop, and of the continued economic revitalization of the street. We are also increasing pedestrian safety by adding crosswalks at Kenmore and Winthrop, and are encouraged by early conversations with CDOT around increased safety at Bryn Mawr and Sheridan.

To further nurture Bryn Mawr’s historic charm and significance, the Alliance is conducting an inventory of the street's infrastructure in order to recommend potential improvements that align with the original 1990s guidelines. We are exploring short, medium, and long-term improvements to clean up Bryn Mawr and enable its historic beauty to shine.

The Bryn Mawr Alliance will use these results to inform our ongoing efforts, and we plan to launch a follow-up survey next year to ensure we continue to have a pulse on the neighborhood. Our findings are informing the Alliance’s 5-Year Strategic Plan and will continue to shape the advocacy and recommendations we make for the Bryn Mawr corridor.

--

The mission of the Bryn Mawr Alliance, as a Task Force for the 48th Ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth is to collaborate with residents, small businesses, building owners, and interested stakeholders to further envision a thriving historic district Bryn Mawr. Through regular meetings, community engagement, blending the past with the future, and initiatives, the Bryn Mawr Alliance will look at all angles: infrastructure, opportunity sites, proactive development, and equitable public safety to ensure the future, charm, and sustainability of the national historic commercial corridor.