Lakewood Balmoral Historic District

Step back in time and imagine a vibrant middle-class community bustling with life. That’s exactly what this neighborhood, Lakewood Balmoral Historic District, was designed for. In 1890, John Lewis Cochran, a tobacco salesman from Philadelphia, purchased the land that would become this community. He saw the potential for a neighborhood where families could thrive, away from the grand mansions along the lakefront that were too expensive for the average person. He named many of the streets after places that resonated with his Scottish heritage, including Balmoral, a nod to Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The district quickly became a hub of activity. Architecturally significant homes were built, including those designed by Holabird and Roche, the minds behind the Marquette Building and the Palmer House in Chicago. These homes, brimming with character and handmade details, tell the story of Lakewood Balmoral Historic District.
Today, the district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is still regarded as one of the most intact historic neighborhoods in Chicago. This district is a testament to John Cochran’s vision for a vibrant and enduring community, a place where families could build their lives and create lasting memories.