Chicago's Edgewater Glen District added to National Register of Historic Places

The Edgewater Glen district on Chicago's north lakefront has officially been added to the National Register of Historic Places. This historic area, situated within the Edgewater neighborhood, is defined by the boundaries of Broadway, Clark Street, Norwood Street, and Granville Avenue.

The nomination for this designation was made in October 2024 by the State of Illinois Historic Preservation and received approval from the U.S. Department of the Interior on December 30. The move came as a surprise to many, including Justin Colombik, a longtime Andersonville resident and board member of the Edgewater Glen Association, who initially proposed the idea. Colombik noted that it was unexpected for Edgewater Glen to lack historic district status, especially since it shares a developmental history with the nearby Lakewood Balmoral District.

The name "Edgewater Glen" was established in the early 1970s, derived from the initial syllables of Glenlake and Glenwood avenues within the neighborhood. However, the homes in Edgewater Glen are much older, reflecting architectural styles and housing trends from 1890 to 1920. The district showcases a variety of home designs, including ornate Queen Anne houses, American Foursquares, Prairie-style homes, and classic Chicago bungalows.

With its new designation as a historic district, homeowners in Edgewater Glen can now take advantage of tax incentives aimed at facilitating home improvements. Additionally, public projects in the area will be required to take measures to protect the integrity of the existing architecture, preventing any damage or destruction to significant buildings.

Overall, the addition of Edgewater Glen to the National Register is a significant milestone that recognizes the neighborhood's rich history and preserves its charm for future generations.