Edgewater
First developed in 1885 by pioneer John Lewis Cochran, Edgewater became known as the first electric suburb adjacent to Chicago. Whether it was because of this or its enviable lakefront land seven miles north of the city, the neighborhood soon became one of the most affluent in the early 1900's. As the city's elite came in droves over the next thirty years, developers expanded, building south in nearby Uptown. Like many of the city's northwest communities, Edgewater saw a dip in population in the 1950's, followed by a time of little growth or development.
Today, the neighborhood is once again one of Chicago's most densely populated, and it continues to grow as people discover its enviable location along with some of the most affordable housing in the city. In fact, though it has been popular with retired seniors, Edgewater has seen an influx of young families and professionals in recent years.
With the demand for new housing, community groups have taken a hands-on approach to continuing growth and development by encouraging preservation of older buildings, rather than tearing down and rebuilding. This has led to a significant amount of condo conversions, especially in the high-rises along Sheridan Drive. Further in, town homes and single family homes can be found, as well, while larger, historic homes line Winthrop and Kenmore Avenues.
Community groups have also worked extensively to attract new businesses to the area, bringing in an impressive number of new restaurants and antique dealers—all within the last five years. These blend with the already growing mix of ethnic restaurants and shops, including the city's highest concentration of Indian and Pakistani establishments along Devon Avenue. With promises of continued growth, Edgewater residents work to maintain the city's historical and ethnic roots.
Tucked between Uptown and Rogers Park, with Ravenswood Avenue on the western border, Edgewater is closely situated to a number of thriving neighborhoods, yet only a 20-25 minute ride into the city via the Red Line. And, Sheridan Drive leads into Lake Shore Drive for easy access to the city’s highways.
http://www.edgewaterhistory.org/
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