“Imagine a bustling elevated train line stretching through Kenwood” I want to tell you about the Kenwood branch. It was a unique piece of Chicago’s transportation history. It offered a surprising suburban feel in an urban setting.
The Kenwood branch was part of Chicago’s ‘L’ system. It began operating in 1907. The Kenwood branch terminated at 42nd Place near the lakefront by 1910. The new rapid transit attracted Loop office workers.
Wealthy Chicagoans first settled Kenwood in the 1850s. They wanted to escape the city’s increasing congestion. Dr. John A. Kennicott built his home near the Illinois Central Railroad at 48th Street. He named it Kenwood after his ancestral land in Scotland. The Illinois Central built a small depot near 47th Street. They named the station Kenwood as well. Soon, the name Kenwood applied to the entire area. It stretched from 43rd to 51st Street. It ran from the lake west to Cottage Grove Avenue.
The Kenwood neighborhood saw a variety of transportation options. The ‘L’ reached the community in 1907. Numerous walk-up apartment buildings sprang up. They were west of the Illinois Central tracks in the 1910s. By 1920, the population reached 21000.
The Kenwood branch played a role in Kenwood’s growth. It provided access for residents and workers. The Kenwood area attracted prominent residents over the years. These included the Obamas, Muhammad Ali, and Muddy Waters. Kenwood also had residents like Julius Rosenwald. He was the chief executive of Sears, Roebuck & Co.
Unfortunately, the Kenwood branch was abandoned in 1957. Today, little remains of the physical structure. It once ran for about 1.25 miles and had six stations.
Kenwood itself is a vibrant community. It boasts historic districts and architectural gems. You can find 19th-century mansions and stunning contemporary homes. The Indian Village district showcases Art Deco buildings. The Powhatan Apartments are ornately decorated. They were once lauded as having all the luxuries of an ocean liner.
Today, Kenwood remains a significant part of Chicago’s South Side. It is known for its beautiful homes and notable residents. The Kenwood branch may be gone. However, its impact on the community’s development remains. Take a walk around. Imagine the trains running along the Kenwood branch. Picture the people using it to explore this unique neighborhood.