Bronzeville
Chicago has over 77 different communities and 210 neighborhoods within its boundaries many of which are of ethnic or racial origin. Bronzeville is one of those neighborhoods located in the Douglas and Grand Boulevard communities on the South Side of the city of Chicago. In the early 20th century, Bronzeville was known as the “Black Metropolis,” one of the nation’s most significant landmarks of African-American urban history. The name itself was first used in 1930 by James J. Gentry, a local theater editor for the Chicago Bee. It refers to the brown skin color of African-Americans, who predominated the area and has become common usage since through the decades.
Bronzeville was first settled by African-Americans between 1910 and 1920 during the peak of the “Great Migration” and the population increased dramatically during that time when thousands of African-Americans fled the oppression of the south and emigrated to Chicago in search of jobs. Many famous people are associated with the development of the area including Rube Foster, founder of the Negro National Baseball League, Bessie Coleman, the first African-American woman pilot, Gwendolyn Brooks, famous author and the first African-American recipient of the Pulitzer Prize among others.
Bronzeville is a neighborhood in the midst of a cultural renaissance. Many of the buildings date back to the 1920’s are being restored, preserved and renovated taking their place on historic registries. The allure of open spaces, architectural renovation and a renewed interest in the arts has made Bronzeville an interesting area in which to live. Current real estate rehabilitation are changing the face of Bronzeville’s residential areas. Large expanses of land are opening up to development since the razing of the Robert Taylor projects providing fresh new developments for new condominiums and the rehabilitation of brownstones, ornate Victorians and stately townhomes.
Condos in Bronzeville start in the low $100,000’s and can go as high as $1,000,000 depending on the space and location. The available properties in Bronzeville include vintage brick flats, new construction and rehabbed townhomes with many units with luxury amenities and upgrades. Many sought after addresses such as King Drive are lined with properties that easily surpass the million dollar price tag.
Bronzeville is unique part of Chicago with a history all its own. The renewed interests in the arts and the proximity to many of the cultural and business areas of Chicago has made the area a much sought after neighborhood in which to live.
