Edgewater: Chicago’s Lakeside Legacy

Edgewater is a vibrant, diverse neighborhood located on Chicago’s North Side, bordered by Foster Avenue to the south, Devon Avenue to the north, Ravenswood Avenue to the west, and Lake Michigan to the east. Known for its historic architecture, multicultural identity, and unique blend of residential calm and urban energy, Edgewater is a lakeside community rich with stories that span more than a century. From luxurious 1920s high-rises to grassroots activism, Edgewater represents a dynamic slice of Chicago history and contemporary life.  Edgewater literally hugs the water’s edge, with miles of beaches, green spaces, and amazing views over Lake Michigan. This historic neighborhood is a haven for artists and foodies. The combination of a rich history combined with culture and also convenient to public transit, makes Edgewater a unique hidden gem in the city.

Edgewater by the Numbers

Origins and Early History

Edgewater began as a subdivision in the late 19th century when developer John Lewis Cochran, a tobacco magnate from Philadelphia, purchased a large swath of land along the lakefront in the 1880s. His vision was to build a prestigious lakefront community with wide boulevards, modern infrastructure, and elegant homes. Cochran even gave the streets Philadelphia-style names like Bryn Mawr and Berwyn, a naming legacy that remains today.

The neighborhood grew rapidly with the extension of the elevated train line in the early 20th century, which connected Edgewater to downtown Chicago. Its lakefront location and access to public transit made it an ideal spot for upper-middle-class residents seeking respite from the city center. By the 1920s, the area had transformed into a booming residential and resort district.

Transformation and Evolution

Edgewater’s evolution has been shaped by waves of immigration, urban development, and community action. After its early years as a retreat for Chicago’s elite, the mid-20th century brought an influx of middle-class residents and immigrants, particularly from Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

In the 1960s and '70s, many lakefront buildings began to fall into disrepair, and urban decline threatened the area’s stability. However, the neighborhood experienced a turnaround in the 1980s thanks to robust community organizing and historical preservation efforts. Organizations like the Edgewater Historical Society and block clubs worked to restore architectural treasures and promote neighborhood pride.

Today, Edgewater is one of Chicago’s most ethnically and economically diverse neighborhoods, known for its inclusive spirit, lakefront parks, and bustling commercial corridors like Broadway and Clark Street.

Historical Landmarks and Structures

Edgewater is home to several iconic and architecturally significant landmarks, all located within its geographic boundaries:

• The Edgewater Beach Apartments – The last remnant of the luxurious Edgewater Beach Hotel complex, these pink-hued apartments on Sheridan Road are a stunning example of 1920s resort-style architecture.
  
  
• The Bryn Mawr Historic District – This area along Bryn Mawr Avenue showcases a mix of beaux-arts, art deco, and Mediterranean revival buildings, many of which have been carefully preserved.
  
  
• St. Ita Catholic Church – A striking Gothic Revival church completed in 1927, featuring a 120-foot bell tower and beautiful stained glass windows, serving as a cultural and architectural landmark.
  
  
• The Gerber Building – Built in 1923 as the original entrance to the Bryn Mawr ‘L’ station, this building has been restored and integrated into the updated CTA Red Line station while preserving its historic façade.
  
  

Historical Figures

Several important figures are connected to Edgewater’s history:

• John Lewis Cochran – Often considered the "father" of Edgewater, Cochran’s vision laid the groundwork for one of Chicago’s most planned and elegant neighborhoods.
  
  
• Jo Minow (née Baskin) – An Edgewater resident and civic leader who played a key role in historic preservation and the neighborhood’s revitalization during the 1980s and 1990s.
  
  
• Lena McLin – While more closely associated with the Bronzeville area, McLin’s tenure as a music teacher at nearby schools influenced generations of Black musicians across the North Side, including those from Edgewater.
  
  

Historical Events

Edgewater has been shaped by a series of events that, while lesser-known citywide, had a significant impact locally:

• The Decline and Demolition of the Edgewater Beach Hotel (1970s) – Once the crown jewel of the neighborhood, this glamorous lakefront hotel was partially demolished after being cut off from lake access by Lake Shore Drive's extension. Its loss marked a turning point in the area’s economic shift.
  
  
• Vietnamese Refugee Resettlement (1975–1985) – Following the Vietnam War, Edgewater became one of the key neighborhoods for resettling Southeast Asian refugees, adding to its cultural fabric and leading to a vibrant local community still present today.
  
  
• The 48th Ward Renaissance (1980s–1990s) – A grassroots movement driven by local residents, preservationists, and business owners focused on stabilizing housing, curbing crime, and investing in small business corridors—ushering in a new era for Edgewater.
  
  

Current Trends and Redevelopment

Edgewater continues to thrive as a neighborhood that balances historical preservation with forward-thinking development:

• Green Initiatives – With numerous community gardens, LEED-certified buildings, and access to lakefront trails, Edgewater is one of Chicago’s greenest neighborhoods.
  
  
• Inclusive Housing – The neighborhood remains a haven for LGBTQ+ residents, immigrants, and artists, thanks in part to progressive zoning, rent protections, and affordable housing advocacy.
  
  
• Cultural Diversity – Restaurants, bakeries, and shops along Broadway, Clark, and Devon reflect a tapestry of cultures—from Ethiopian and Indian to Swedish and Lebanese.
  
  

Conclusion

Edgewater is a lakeside neighborhood where Chicago’s architectural history, immigrant stories, and community spirit all converge. From its early days as a planned suburb to its rebirth through grassroots advocacy, Edgewater continues to reflect the resilience and richness of Chicago’s urban landscape. Whether you're admiring the Bryn Mawr historic buildings, enjoying a lakeside stroll, or exploring the many cultures represented in its streets, Edgewater remains a shining example of what makes Chicago’s neighborhoods so compelling.