A Century-Old Broadway Building Gets New Life: The Davis Building Revival Is Edgewater's Hottest Redevelopment Story

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Edgewater · April 9, 2026

Edgewater's beloved Broadway corridor is about to write a new chapter — this time, inside the walls of a 107-year-old building that's been quietly waiting for its comeback. Details revealed this week show that the historic Davis Building at 5252 N. Broadway is set for a full residential conversion, breathing new apartment life into a structure that has stood at the corner of West Berwyn Avenue since 1919. The century-old mixed-use gem, situated steps from the newly reconstructed Berwyn CTA Red Line station, was recently sold for around $3.5 million to developer Esteep, who is teaming up with Studio Dwell Architects on the transformation. The gut rehab will add new framing, plumbing, electrical, insulation, and data connectivity — modernizing the building from the inside while honoring its historic bones. Best of all? Neighbors won't lose a thing at street level: both The Lost Hours coffee shop and Edgewater Pottery will remain open throughout and after construction, keeping the block's community heartbeat intact.

Meanwhile, the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce has scored a buzzy new partnership: Victory Honda Chicago Northside (6600 N. Western Ave.) is coming on as the presenting sponsor of the beloved Edgewater Music Fest, now set for August 28–30 with two stages, 30+ bands, 100+ vendors, and all the local flavor the North Side can handle. Vendor and sponsor applications are open now at edgewater.org — don't miss your chance to be part of the summer's biggest neighborhood party!

Sources:
1. https://chicagoyimby.com/2026/04/details-revealed-for-residential-conversion-in-edgewater.html
2. https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/04/02/27-apartments-could-replace-andersonville-2-flats-edgewater-building-to-add-housing/
3. https://www.edgewater.org/