Can you imagine a beach named after a lake in New York? Here at Glenlake Avenue Beach, that’s exactly the case. Glenlake Avenue itself, and subsequently this beautiful stretch of sand, was named by John Lewis Cochran. He was a real estate developer who had a fondness for his East Coast roots. He named many Chicago streets after eastern towns and landmarks, including Glen Lake, New York. Glenlake Avenue Beach sits proudly in the Edgewater neighborhood, offering a welcome respite from the bustling city.
Glenlake Avenue Beach is part of Edgewater’s collection of beaches. It’s a smaller, more intimate beach compared to its more famous neighbor, Foster Beach. This makes it a favorite among locals seeking a quieter escape. Before 1980, Edgewater, including Glenlake Avenue Beach, was considered part of Uptown. Now, it stands as its own distinct community area, boasting a vibrant mix of high-rise buildings, single-family homes, and of course, its stunning lakefront location.
Cochran’s influence on Edgewater extends beyond just Glenlake Avenue. He developed the entire community in the late 1800s. This area transitioned from farmland to a residential haven, attracting Chicago’s elite with its summer homes. Today, remnants of this elegant past can still be found in areas like the Lakewood Balmoral Historic District. In 1885, Cochran declared the northeastern section of Lake View to be “Edgewater,” a testament to its prime location by the lake. He even ensured that Edgewater became “the only electric lighted suburb adjacent to Chicago” at the time, showcasing his forward-thinking vision. Cochran brought a piece of the East Coast to the Midwest, as evidenced by the street names in Edgewater, many of which are named after train stations on the former Pennsylvania Railroad Main Line.
As you stroll along Glenlake Avenue Beach, imagine Frank Leo McLaughlin, a resident at 1336 Glenlake Avenue in 1911. Picture him enjoying the same refreshing lake breeze and perhaps even taking a dip in the cool waters. This beach wasn’t always so accessible. The development of Edgewater and its beaches coincided with Chicago’s expansion and annexation of surrounding areas like Lake View Township. This township, once home to orchards and dense woods, saw rapid population growth, leading to its annexation by Chicago in 1889.
Glenlake Avenue Beach embodies Edgewater’s transformation from a quiet suburban escape to a thriving community area. So next time you find yourself on this beach, remember the legacy of John Lewis Cochran, the developer who brought a touch of New York to Chicago, and the historical journey of Edgewater, from orchards to high-rises.