The railroad boom of the mid-1800s contributed to Englewood’s birth, but the resettling of refugees to the city’s outskirts Great Fire of 1871 was the impetus for its growth. Englewood has seen waves of new housing construction in recent years, along with the arrival of its first new shopping center in decades and the newly-opened campus of Kennedy-King College. Students at the college’s Washburne Culinary Institute get real-life training at Sikia, an upscale African-influenced restaurant and welcome addition to the local dining scene.
Englewood has been many things since its beginnings as a bog-side railroad village in the 1850s: haven for refugees who lost their homes in the 1871 Great Chicago Fire, destination for immigrants of all persuasions, successful retail hub, focus of open-housing advocates and foes, unsuccessful retail hub.
Two blocks from that post office is the still-new campus of Kennedy-King College, home to the Washburne Culinary Institute, a successful culinary training program.
Attractions
Contents
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church South
- Religious locations
One of many Baptist churches in the neighborhood, Antioch stands out for its architectural beauty.
Free Admission | 6953 S. Stewart Ave. | 773.994.5710
Archibald J. Motley’s Former Home and Studio
- Historical Landmarks
Artist Archibald J. Motley, Jr. (1891 – 1981) was one of the first American painters who devoted his career primarily to African American subject matter and one of the first successful black artists in the 20th century. Motley’s work ranged from sensitive portraits to stylized street and cabaret scenes. He lived and painted in his family home at 350 West 60th Street for most of his life. Selected as a Chicago Tribute Marker of Distinction.
350 W. 60th St.
Chicago Tribute Markers of Distinction
- Other Attractions
Chicago Tribute Markers of Distinction commemorate notable Chicagoans by marking the places where they lived or worked. Since the program started in 1997, eighty markers have been placed across the city. This number will be increased to 100 markers placed by the end of 2009.
Free Admission | 78 E. Washington St. | 312.744.6630
H.H. Holmes Mansion (U.S. Post Office)
- Historical Landmarks
This was the site of H.H. Holmes’ “Castle”, notoriously known to have housed murders during the 1893 World’s Columbian Exhibition. The story is chronicled in the nonfiction book, The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson.
Free Admission | 611 W. 63rd St. | 773.873.0790
Kelly Branch Library
- Historical Landmarks
Kelly is the second oldest Chicago Public Library branch, rededicated in 1989.
Free Admission | 6151 S. Normal Blvd. | 312.747.8418
Kennedy-King College
- Universities & Colleges
Situated on an 18-acre campus, Kennedy-King is one of the City Colleges of Chicago.
Free Admission | 6301 S. Halsted St. | 773.602.5000
Taste Entertainment
- Music
Englewood’s only neighborhood nightclub features dancing, drinking, a buffet and pay-per-view sporting events.
6331 S. Lowe Ave. | 773.873.6700
Events
The Rowan Tree Garden Society
- Farmers Markets
Eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, watermelon, spinach, mustard greens, lettuce, celery, cucumber, carrots, broccoli, beets and cabbage are just some of the fresh products offered at The Rowan Tree Garden Society.
Free Admission | 501 W. Englewood | 773.297.4766