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48th WARD NEWS: MARCH 6, 2026
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ALD. MANAA-HOPPENWORTH RECOMMENDS BRYN MAWR FOR CHICAGO LANDMARK DISTRICT STATUS
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Dear Neighbors,
The Bryn Mawr Historic District is a cultural and architectural treasure, and today we are taking a big step towards protecting this important piece of Edgewater and Chicago history for generations to come. I have given the green light to the Department of Planning & Development to bring the preliminary landmark designation report for Bryn Mawr before the Commission on Chicago Landmarks (CCL). On April 2, we will be making our case to the Commission for the creation of the Bryn Mawr Chicago Landmark District!
Designating Bryn Mawr as a Chicago Landmark District will protect historically significant buildings from demolition, and require future development to align with the character of the district, ensuring the long-term protection that the district deserves. The Historic District includes some of the oldest buildings in Edgewater, dating back to the 1890s, and is significant for its pedestrian-oriented, dense, and diverse designs hosting retail on the ground floor and residences above. Buildings in the district reflect a variety of architectural styles including Tudor Revival, French Romanesque Revival, Late Gothic Revival, Italian Renaissance Revival, and Art Deco.
Landmarking isn’t easy, but we are on our way! Last year, I asked the Department of Planning & Development (DPD) to survey the corridor to determine if the Bryn Mawr Historic District meets the criteria for local landmarking. DPD’s Historic Preservation staff surveyed 22 buildings, and ultimately determined that the district would be a great candidate for landmark consideration. Since then, we have had numerous meetings with stakeholders, including property owners within the Bryn Mawr Historic District, to ensure that they understood the benefits, impacts, and responsibilities of the designation.
After the CCL hears our proposal, the Chicago Landmark District designation process takes about one year before going to City Council for a vote.
I want to extend sincere gratitude to the team at Landmarks Illinois, the Edgewater Historical Society, and our Bryn Mawr Alliance volunteers for their advocacy, expertise, and assistance in getting us to this point. Visit our blog to read more about this significant historic preservation effort.
Yours in Community,
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Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth
48th Ward Alderwoman
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DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
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Emanuel Congregation / Fern Hill - Meeting Recap
On Thursday, February 26, Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth hosted an in-person community meeting about proposed development plans for the Emanuel Congregation Synagogue. Over 170 neighbors attended to hear about initial plans for 5959/5965 N Sheridan and 5948 N Sheridan. Read more and access the presentation on our blog. Please submit feedback via our online feedback form for these initial plans by Friday, March 13.
The Alderwoman is not ready to make a zoning change decision after this feedback period closes. Instead, she will be reviewing the community feedback with Emanuel and asking them to come back with a final proposal incorporating the feedback. Once we have the final proposal, we'll have another community meeting and feedback period. We aim to provide 2-3 weeks notice for the next community meeting for this project.
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Welcome Roots & Ritual!
Roots & Ritual is a mother-daughter owned shop with an intentional and curated selection of goods that bring everyday magic to life, including witchcraft supplies, tarot decks, books, perfumes, teas, art prints, candles, and more. Soon, you'll be able to join them in their new space next to Solar Intentions at 1052-56 W Bryn Mawr for regular community events and workshops! Join us on Saturday, March 21 at 11am for the official ribbon cutting!
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TimeLine Theatre Open House
- When: Saturday, March 21 from 12-5pm
- Where: TimeLine Theatre (5035 N Broadway)
- No RSVP required
All are invited for this lively celebration of the company’s remarkable new space. Longtime subscribers, loyal donors, students, neighbors, concierges, theatre lovers across the city, and anyone who is curious about TimeLine will find something to enjoy. Doors will be open throughout the afternoon for guided and self-guided tours, information highlighting TimeLine’s history and vision, interactive activities, a live DJ, refreshments, and more.
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Chicago Park District Participatory Budgeting
The Chicago Park District is launching their own citywide PB process to deepen community engagement, increase transparency in public spending, and strengthen resident trust in park planning and resource allocation.
Residents, park users, and community stakeholders will be invited to submit specific park improvement ideas for parks across the city. As a goal of this initial pilot program, the District intends to advance approximately nine (9) proposed projects with an estimated value of roughly $50,000 each. Learn more and submit your ideas online here.
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6143 N Kenmore Expected to Begin Excavation This Month
Excavation at 6143 N Kenmore (part of former Kindred Hospital) is estimated to start late March. The developer, Sustainabuild, is using excavator contractor B&K Concrete. This work is in anticipation of a 40-unit, 5-story condominium building being built by right.
This project is a complex demolition, which must follow strict regulations. The developer is aware of the dust and wind conditions on Sheridan and is ensuring that the demolition contractor Heneghan is following all requirements for dust remediation and that air monitors are being used across the site. The demolition began in late November last year. Click here to submit a dust complaint.
At this time, the former Kindred Hospital site will be converted to housing by two separate developers, The Domus Group and Sustainabuild. The Domus Group is building a 40-unit, 5-story building at 6146-58 N Sheridan on the parking lot of the former Kindred Hospital, and Sustainabuild is building a 40-unit, 5-story building at 6143 N Kenmore and a 12-unit, 4-story building at 6131 N Kenmore.
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Submit Requests and Stay Informed with 311 and ChiStreetWork
For non-emergency city service requests, file a 311 report online, through the app, or by dialing 3-1-1. You can also search for and follow along with local city projects at chistreetwork.chicago.gov.
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Early Voting is Now Open in all 50 Wards
Early voting is now open in all of Chicago’s 50 Wards! These sites are open Weekdays from 9am-6pm; Saturdays from 9am-5pm; and Sundays from 10am - 4pm. All ward early voting locations and the Supersite (137 S State St) will also be open as Vote Centers on Election Day (Tuesday, March 17) from 6am-7pm.
The 48th Ward early voting site is located at the Broadway Armory (5917 N Broadway). However, any voter living in Chicago can vote at any of these sites, no matter where they live in the city. All early voting sites are fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Learn more about registering, voting, and working in the upcoming election on our blog.
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Sarah's Circle Winter Walk - A Mile in Her Shoes
- When: Sunday, March 8 from 1-3pm
- Where: Uplift Community High School (900 W Wilson)
- Register online.
Sarah's Circle's 34th annual Winter Walk: A Mile in Her Shoes highlights the harsh reality of women's homelessness during the deadly cold of Chicago's winters. Funds raised through Winter Walk are critical in meeting the demand of Sarah's Circle's services. You can help by signing up to fundraise or by making a donation here.
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Community Defense & Voter Protection Training
- When: Monday, March 9 from 7-9pm
- Where: Virtual
- Register online.
Learn nonpartisan know-your-rights information regarding voting, elections, and documenting immigration or law enforcement.
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Emanuel Congregation Blood Drive
- When: Sunday, March 15 from 9:15am-1:45pm
- Where: Emanuel Congregation - Thorndale lot (5959 N Sheridan)
- Register online.
Roll up your sleeve and be someone’s lucky charm! Your donation can make all the difference for patients in need. Giving blood is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to care for others in our community. In just about an hour, you can help save lives, bring comfort to families, and offer hope to patients facing serious illness or injury.
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48th Ward ICASH Mobile Event
- When: Monday, March 16 from 9:30am-12:30pm
- Where: 48th Ward Office (1129 W Bryn Mawr)
- No RSVP required.
The State Treasurer is currently holding $5B in unclaimed funds for Illinoisans. Drop into the ward office to see what you’re owed! A representative from the Illinois State Treasurer’s office will be available to help return any funds owed to you through the I-CASH program at no cost. Last year, 48th Ward residents claimed roughly $10,000 at this event!
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North Area Community Service Center March Programs
The North Area Community Service Center at 845 W Wilson has a variety of upcoming workshops and opportunities. These FREE programs are also listed on our community calendar.
- Nutrition Assistance: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday from 8am-4pm | Tuesday & Thursday from 9am-5pm
- Public Benefits Support: Tuesday & Thursday from 9am-5pm
- Mental Health Services: Wednesday, March 18 from 11am-12pm
- And much more: Call 312-744-2580 for more information about emergency rental assistance, domestic violence advocacy, and other programs
See the above schedule in PDF form here.
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Chicago Public Schools Academic Calendars Released
The Chicago Board of Education has now approved the CPS academic calendars for SY26-27 and SY27-28. More than 36,000 students, families, staff, and partners provided feedback to construct these calendars which you can review here.
Based on community feedback, the 2026/27 school year will begin before Labor Day on Monday, August 24, 2026 and end on Friday, June 11, 2027 for K-12 students. Pre-K students will begin school on Tuesday, August 25 and end on Thursday, June 10. In both of the next two school years, the first semester will end after winter break to give high school students enough time to complete required credits.
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20th District Council Monthly Meeting
- When: Monday, March 9 from 6-7:30pm
- Where: Swedish Hospital - Anderson Pavilion (2751 W Winona)
- No RSVP required.
Are you interested in public safety? Looking for a way to get involved in community safety initiatives? Attend your next local district council meeting and join the conversation! Each district council is made up of three people elected by their community to build stronger relationships with police. The more people who participate in this vital community policing process, the more effective it can be. Thank you for working with us to build a safe and healthy neighborhood where we can all thrive.
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Immigration Briefing
- When: Tuesday, March 10 at 1pm
- Where: VIRTUAL
- Register online.
Join the Committee on Immigrant & Refugee Rights (CIRR) for a virtual briefing on recent immigration updates.
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14th District Vaccination Event
- When: Thursday, March 12 from 10am-2pm
- Where: 14th District Office (1507 W Morse)
- Register online.
The office of State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-14) is hosting a springtime Vaccination Clinic! Get your flu and Covid-19 vaccines/boosters at no cost. Partnering with the Illinois Department of Public Health, this event will be on Thursday, March 12 from 10am-2pm at 1507 W Morse Avenue. No ID or insurance required.
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Bridges to Health - Community Wellness Event
- When: Saturday, March 14 from 10am-1pm
- Where: Loyola Student Center (1032 W Sheridan)
- RSVP online.
Bridges to Health is a free community wellness event connecting individuals and families to local health resources, education, and support. Connect with local organizations, access free health screenings, participate in activities, and more.
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CHECK OUT THE 48th WARD CALENDAR
Never miss an event! See the calendar on our website for more exciting things happening in the ward. Fill out this form to have your own event listed.
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WHERE IN THE WARD IS LENI?
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Leni was honored to join the Arab-American Business and Professional Association for the Chi Cook Community Iftar. Thank you for the warm welcome and delicious food! The Arab-American Business and Professional Association provides essential tools, resources, and support to facilitate the growth and success of small business owners and professionals.
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Leni welcomed the American Jewish Committee to the office to discuss issues impacting the Jewish community. Topics included the rising rate of anti-semitism, the Chi V Hate ordinance, Jewish American Heritage Month (coming up in May), and more! The entire 48th ward staff recently participated in an anti-semitism training to better understand and recognize modern antisemitism.
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It was great to see so many familiar faces at the second to last Edgewater Indoor Market! The market space at the Broadway Armory was full of friendly 48th ward faces including DMApothecary and Loaves & Witches (pictured above). Weren't able to make it to this one? You've got one more chance! Join us at the final indoor market of 2026 on Saturday, March 14. See the full vendor lineup here.
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Rev. Michael Ware from North Shore Baptist Church recently used the 48th Ward Museum Pass to take his family to the Field Museum!
Our museum pass grants you and three others free access to museums and cultural institutions throughout the city including the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Plantarium, and more! Request it online, over the phone at 773-784-5277, or in person at our office (1129 W Bryn Mawr)!
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