Welcome to Kenwood
Discover the wonders of this relaxed and small pocket neighborhood.
Kenwood is a close-knit community. It's best known for its quiet streets and detached low-rise apartments and houses. But don't forget its small handful of high-rise towers that overlook Lake Michigan. Burnham Park is on the lakeside, and Kenwood is also home to a small Lakefront Trail stretch that's populated with cyclists and walkers. It's home to the Burnham Nature Sanctuary with lots of birdlife and prairie wildflowers.
Today, Kenwood boasts some of the largest single-family houses around. It holds two Chicago Landmark districts: North Kenwood and Kenwood. The Hyde Park-Kenwood Historic District makes up a big part of the community area's southern half.
What to Love
- Beautiful historic architecture
- Meticulous garden landscapes
- Neighbor of Hyde Park
- Quiet, walkable streets
Local Lifestyle
As you walk around Kenwood's shady streets, it will amaze you to see all the charming coach houses, 19th-century mansions, and remarkable contemporary homes all surrounded by meticulous garden landscapes and lush lawns.
Kenwood also boasts a stunning collection of early 20th-century Art Deco buildings, especially in the Indian Village district. This is where you'll see an ornately decorated high-rise, the Powhatan Apartments, that was said to have all of an ocean liner's luxuries upon opening in 1929. There is also the National Register of Historic Places-recognized Hyde Park-Kenwood Historic District.
One of the best things about this neighborhood is that it provides such a residential feel to it but just outside the neighborhood boundaries, you'll find a fair share of dining establishments to choose from.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The Original Pancake House draws from its extensive culinary field knowledge to bring you amazing authentic national pancake recipes. Their rare and delicious menu will leave you wanting more and has gained national acclaim.
Enjoy the Silverroom — a boutique specializing in creative accessories and jewelry. It also hosts music parties and art shows. The Silverroom was founded in 1997 by Eric Williams and is located in Hyde Park. It's been hosting events, supporting local designers, and building community for more than 20 years.
Also located in Hyde Park, you'll find the Southern American Virtue Restaurant which prides itself on a culture of kindness and hospitality. It pairs cocktails and wines with hearty Southern cooking with an open kitchen in funky-chic quarters.
Things to Do
The first stop on your itinerary should be former President Barack Obama's Chicago home. Many residents living in this neighborhood were very familiar with the 24/7 Secret Service-guarded home. Pedestrians have been able to stand out in front of the former President's home and take pictures since 2009 when he moved to the White House.
Next, you'll be impressed by the T.B. Blackstone Memorial Library which is a part of the Chicago Public Library System. The building is found in the Kenwood community area and serves the Kenwood, Hyde Park, and Oakland community. It's named after Timothy Blackstone and is filled with mahogany and bronze furnishings with themed paintings hanging on a rotunda ceiling. Patrons can enjoy public Wi-Fi access as well.
You don't want to miss the Muhammad Ali House. The famous boxer lived in this huge brick mansion for many years.
The next stop should be the Hyde Park Art Center. This is the city of Chicago's oldest alternative exhibition space. It's a visual arts organization that's been situated since 2006 just north of Hyde Park Boulevard in the Kenwood neighborhood.
Schools
Schools to consider in the Chicago Public School District include
- Kenwood Academy High School, Grades 7-12
- NKO Univ of Chicago Elementary Charter School
- Evergreen Academy Middle School, Grades 6-8
