Chicago Designated Bryn Mawr a Historic District

New protections for the Edgewater neighborhood have halted a planned apartment development on Bryn Mawr Avenue.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Apartments

Screen-print poster illustration of a historic brick and terracotta building facade in Chicago, featuring arched windows and textured architectural details. — The Chicago City Council designated the Bryn Mawr Historic District as a city landmark, successfully blocking the planned demolition of a historic site for a 95-unit apartment development. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Chicago City Council has officially designated the Bryn Mawr Historic District as a city landmark. This decision effectively blocks the demolition of a historic building at 1114 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., halting a developer's plans for a new 95-unit apartment complex.

Why it matters

The city established this landmark status to preserve the unique architectural character of Edgewater and prevent the loss of significant structures. This shift forces a change in development strategy for a project that has already seen $6 million in developer investment since 2020.

The district covers the area from Broadway to Sheridan Road and includes notable sites like the Edgewater Beach Apartments. While 1114 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. was saved, the city did issue demolition permits for nearby properties at 1106 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. and 5614 N. Winthrop Ave.

The players

City Council of Chicago

The legislative body of the city responsible for zoning and historic preservation ordinances.

Commission on Chicago Landmarks

The municipal advisory board that evaluates properties against established criteria for historical and architectural significance.

The details

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks recommended the designation after finding the district met four criteria for landmark status. The developer had originally planned to replace the existing building with a six-story structure featuring 95 apartments and 6,000 square feet of retail space. Because the site at 1114 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. is now protected as a contributing building, the city denied the demolition permit necessary to clear the lot for new construction.

Structures in the district were originally built in the 1890s.
The developer purchased the project site in 2020.
The renovated Bryn Mawr Red Line station opened in 2025.
The landmarking approval process began in spring 2026.
The City Council approved the landmark designation on September 23, 2026.

The Home Front

This designation aligns with broader efforts to maintain the character of historic neighborhoods amid ongoing urban density pressures. It updates the protections for the Edgewater district, which is already recognized by the National Register of Historic Places.

If you own property within the newly designated district, check with the Commission on Chicago Landmarks to understand how these new guidelines affect future renovation or exterior modification projects. Renters and homeowners should monitor local news regarding the developer's next moves for the site at 1114 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.

The takeaway

Historic designation can significantly alter the development landscape and property potential of an entire city block. Property owners in designated zones should verify any proposed work with local officials before proceeding to ensure compliance with preservation standards.