Walking through Lakewood-Balmoral makes you feel like you’re in a different city or even a different era.
With historic architecture and an old-world vibe, the Edgewater pocket neighborhood earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
The community is also undeniably modern. Wedged between two bustling commercial corridors–great culture, shopping, and dining are within walking distance. And, for work or play, the nearby Berwyn Red Line station and Lake Shore Drive will take you to the Loop and beyond!
Lakewood-Balmoral Neighborhood Guide
If living in a “historic district” sounds like you will be churning your own butter, think again.
Lakewood-Balmoral located directly some of the city’s most vibrant commercial corridors. So, whether you’re looking for quirky shopping, diverse dining, or a beautiful summer stroll, Lakewood-Balmoral has you covered.
Walk West to Andersonville
Directly to the west sits Andersonville. The charming stretch of Clark Street is a favorite for local shopping and dining.
A local favorite is Hopleaf, a popular bar featuring Belgian mussels and a huge beer list. Great local shops include Brown Elephant, a thrift store run by Howard Brown Health Center, and Andersonville Galleria, with more than 50 clothes vendors on three floors. The area also features galleries, top restaurants, and the Midsommarfest street festival.
Walk East to Broadway Ave.
To the east, Broadway Avenue is one of the most diverse business stretches in the whole city. Where else could one find everything from Ethiopian and French to Thai and Greek cuisine side-by-side? And, if you’ve got a sweet tooth, Lickity Split serves delicious homemade custard in throwback ice cream parlor atmosphere.
Culture and Entertainment
Residents are surrounded by the Northside’s dynamic cultural scene. One can find anything from creative theater and live music to fascinating local museums. The nearby Neo-Futurist Theater is a great example. A Chicago favorite, their piece, Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, features 30 mini-plays in 60 minutes.
The Lakewood Balmoral community comes together for some annual events. One of these, the aptly named Lakewood-Balmoral Colossal Neighborhood Garage Sale, features more than 200 participating homes. And, of course, all of the iconic culture of Chicago is readily accessible via the CTA Red Line and Lake Shore Drive.
Lakewood-Balmoral Recreation
In nicer weather, Lakewood Balmoral residents can take advantage of their proximity to great parks. Just to the east along Lake Michigan sits the northern stretch of Lincoln Park, featuring miles of lakefront trails, manicured fields, and much more. The Park’s Foster Beach is one of Chicago’s favorite swimming beaches. The beach also offers bike rentals, tennis/basketball courts, and a concession area.
Lakewood-Balmoral History
Early Settlement
The Lakewood-Balmoral area consisted of dense woods and cabbage farms until the late 1800s. In these years, real estate developers led by John Lewis Cochran began to develop the surrounding area. Named “Edgewater” by Cochran, soon the area had electric lighting and mansions along the lake. Lakewood Balmoral was as Cochran’s Third Addition to Edgewater. The area, with extra-wide lots, was built to attract the era’s burgeoning middle-class.
Building History
The first wave of homes went up in 1893, followed by two more waves in 1895 and 1889. To avoid monotony, the homes were constructed in a range of then-popular styles including Flemish, Gothic, and Queen Anne. The neighborhood exceeded expectations and attracted some of the city’s richest families. These families brought influential architects including Neils Buck, Ivar Viehe-Naess, and Holabird and Roche. Most of these homes still stand today, contributing to the area’s historic character.
Lakewood-Balmoral Today
The 1970s saw the demolishing of many historic homes. To protect the neighborhood’s historic character, Lakewood Balmoral placed the area on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, as part of the larger Edgewater neighborhood, the Lakewood Balmoral remains one of the most intact historic neighborhoods in the City of Chicago.
Lakewood-Balmoral Homes
With historic homes, beautiful gardens, and a vibrant Northside location, Lakewood-Balmoral is brimming with charm. The area is rightly touted for its architecturally significant homes, one can also find condominiums, apartment complexes, and smaller single-family homes in the neighborhood. With a small-town feel and big-city amenities, the neighborhood is truly the best of both worlds. Come take a look around!
