Curious about a neighborhood that rose from orchards to stylish residences? That’s West Edgewater. Today we will explore this vibrant lakefront community in Chicago.
West Edgewater began as part of Lake View Township. Developers bought farms and cleared woods to create space for new homes. From 1870 to 1887 the population boomed. Lake View was annexed to Chicago in 1889. This annexation addressed the growing need for public services.
In 1885, developer John Lewis Cochran named the northeastern section Edgewater. Cochran built the first residential subdivision here. Soon, West Edgewater became known as “the only electric lighted suburb adjacent to Chicago”.
Cochran, originally from Philadelphia, named Edgewater’s streets after train stations on the PRR Main Line. You can find Ardmore Avenue, Thorndale Avenue, and Bryn Mawr Avenue here. Berwyn Avenue, Devon Avenue, and Rosemont Avenue are also present. Wayne Avenue completes the list.
By the early 1900s, West Edgewater was a prestigious community. Mansions lined the lakefront and single-family homes spread inland. The Edgewater Beach Hotel opened in 1916 marking West Edgewater’s affluence. Though the hotel was razed the Edgewater Beach Apartments still stand.
West Edgewater’s building boom peaked in 1926. Property values reached their height in 1928. Around 1900, developers expanded Edgewater. They renamed a portion of the neighborhood Uptown. In the late 1920s, West Edgewater became part of Uptown.
Uptown’s affluence declined in the 1950s. Suburbs drew families away. Disrepair and crime increased. However, Lake Shore Drive’s extension brought new high-rise developments. Andersonville began promoting its unique heritage.
In 1980, the city council orchestrated a revival. West Edgewater separated from Uptown. New businesses arrived. Older buildings were refurbished. Since 2000, new condo developments have appeared. Broadway Antique Market and Brownstone Antiques call West Edgewater home.
West Edgewater comprises several neighborhoods. Andersonville lies in the southwest. Magnolia Glen and Edgewater Glen are to the north. Edgewater Beach sits east of the Red Line tracks.
Andersonville was founded by Swedish immigrants. It is known for its diversity. The Swedish American Museum stands here. Simon’s Tavern serves glögg, a Swedish wine drink. Many of Andersonville’s Swedes were carpenters. They played a significant role in building Chicago.
Edgewater Glen lies in the north-central part of West Edgewater. The Edgewater Glen Association maintains the tree canopy here. Broadway is West Edgewater’s main commercial street. It separates Edgewater Beach from Andersonville and Edgewater Glen.
Sheridan Road follows the lakefront. It is the north end terminus of Lake Shore Drive. The beaches here are Foster Beach and Osterman Beach.
West Edgewater’s lesbian population increased in the 1990s. Women and Children First bookstore relocated here. However, rising rents led to a decline in this population.
West Edgewater has a thriving international community. Immigrants from the Horn of Africa and the former Yugoslavia have settled here.
Nicholas Senn High School is the local public high school. Loyola University Chicago’s campus borders northeastern Edgewater.
The CTA Red Line serves West Edgewater. Its four stations are Berwyn, Bryn Mawr, Thorndale, and Granville.
From cherry orchards to a diverse community West Edgewater has a rich story. Its blend of history, culture, and lakefront beauty makes it special. Take a stroll and soak it all in. You will find something new at every turn.