Bronzeville on the Rise

Posted at 3:13 AM, Aug. 25, 2007

Some of our southern communities in Chicago have remained forgotten relics of the past.  Bronzeville, was one of them.  Until now. 

Bronzeville's history may have lacked glamour, but it certainly did not lack culture.  "It's name came from James J. Gentry, a theatre editor for Anthony Overton, the Cosmetic King and publisher of the Chicago Bee, who suggested using the coined word "Bronzeville" to identify the community since it more accurately described the skin tone of most of its inhabitants", according to the Encyclopedia of Chicago.  Not exactly the kind legacy one would expect. 

But despite its title, Bronzeville was home to some of the most significant African American contributors of our wonderful city.  Black intellectuals, politicians, sports figures, artists, and writers called this neighborhood home and made it the cultural mecca of it's time, most famously known for the REGAL THEATER(source Encycolpedia of Chicago).

Now, it has become the centerpiece for one of the largest, most expansive developments in Chicago.  Once home to the infamous Robert Taylor homes which was the nation's largest public housing project, is nothing more than a memory.  In it's stead, is the dream of Legends South.

Michaels Development Co. and Brinshore Development have joined together to build over 2400 homes.  All of which will be mixed-use and mixed income.  Homeownership is promoted with some of the most affordable units which range in $200-250 per square foot.  One can find condos, single family homes as well as two flats.  The area's relationship to downtown, affordable housing prices and pending retail is a clear indication this neighborhood is heading upward.