This tour is more than a visual journey — it’s an architectural love letter to the historic Bronzeville neighborhood from hospitality designer Cecilia Cuff.
Cecilia has the privilege of residing in beautiful Bronzeville, which allows her the opportunity to live, work, and play in her own community after bringing back her global insights from her professional travels to her hometown, Chicago.
A proud Bronzeville resident, Cecilia’s mission is to create spaces that not only uplift and connect people, but shape the way communities live, work, and thrive. This South Side tour is a celebration of the past, present, and future of one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Chicago Defender Building
3435 S. Indiana Ave.
Once the home of the Chicago Defender, this unassuming building was a major driver of the Great Migration. Imagine telling hundreds of thousands of Black Americans, “Hey, the North is the land of opportunity,” and they listened! That’s the kind of influence the Defender had.
This building is where civil rights history was written—literally. It fostered Black political activism, labor movements, and culture, helping Bronzeville become the “Black Metropolis.”
And now, it may not scream “look at me,” but much like your favorite low-key coffee shop, the charm lies in its understated design. It’s a modest structure with a big voice. This space is where journalism punched above its weight and changed America — how very Bronzeville of it.
Fittingly, it also connects to the Bud Billiken Parade, which was co-founded by Defender publisher Robert Sengstacke Abbott. His legacy continues through the incredible Myiti Sengstacke Rice, who oversees the parade today, tying together the building’s journalistic roots with Bronzeville’s ongoing cultural celebrations and youth empowerment.
The Forum
318 E. 43rd St.
Picture this: the Roaring Twenties, jazz spilling out into the streets, politicians plotting over cigars, and activists raising their voices. The Forum was the cultural epicenter of Black Chicago where Louis Armstrong might have casually played a set while civil rights leaders strategized nearby. It’s a testament to Bronzeville’s history as a hub of both art and activism.
Built in 1897, the Forum has that classic “muscular” Chicago architecture vibe, with wide-open performance spaces and retail slots below. It’s the kind of building that begs to be brought back to life — and, thankfully, it is!
Bernard Loyd is the driving force behind the revival of The Forum in Bronzeville. He is the founder of Urban Juncture, a development group focused on revitalizing and reinvesting in Chicago’s South Side. The Forum is pure history, ready to make a comeback — jazz hands and all.
Bronzeville Winery
4420 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Founded by Cecilia Cuff and Eric Williams in 2022, Bronzeville Winery celebrates the rich, artistic history of Bronzeville while offering a modern space for imaginative food, incredible wine, and culture.
And this isn’t just a winery; it’s a cultural incubator, where the art on the walls might inspire the conversation at your table. It’s where history meets innovation — one glass of rosé at a time, with a wine list that features mainly female and minority makers.
Designed by Future Firm with interiors by Norman Teague, fixtures by Lucy Slivisnki, and art walls by Krista Franklin, Bronzeville Winery blends sleek, contemporary design with artistic expression.
The lighting, acoustics, and rotating art collection make the space feel like a dinner party at an art gallery. It’s the spot where design and community get tipsy together.
Omni Ecosystems
1400 S. Wabash Ave.
Omni Ecosystems is transforming rooftops and urban spaces into green oases. They’re essentially the cool, eco-conscious kid on the block, turning Chicago’s concrete jungle into a verdant landscape.
Think about it: a company turning drab rooftops into sustainable, eco-friendly spaces? Omni’s focus is on green roofs and sustainable systems that integrate seamlessly into modern architecture. It’s the kind of “minimalism meets nature” design that would make Mies van der Rohe proud.
If you’re into sustainability, Omni’s approach is like the Birkenstocks of architecture: eco-friendly, functional, and undeniably trendy. Plus, green roofs are the future — and the future looks fantastic. Contact Omni Ecosystems to schedule a tour of the rooftop space.
South Side Sanctuary
4702 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
South Side Sanctuary is the latest community-driven development in Bronzeville, transforming a long-vacant lot into a space that centers wellness, culture, and entrepreneurship. It’s the architectural version of “the glow up.”
Led by IAYV INC, the philanthropic arm of hospitality design and business strategy firm The Nascent Group, the Sanctuary isn’t just a beautiful outdoor third space — it’s a mission. With art installations, wellness programs, and events, it’s helping revitalize the soul of Bronzeville.
Featuring a large green space, outdoor performance areas, and flexible seating, the Sanctuary is designed to evolve with the community’s needs. It’s like a Swiss Army knife of urban design: functional, adaptable, and always helpful.
University of Chicago Campus
5801 S. Ellis Ave.
The University of Chicago has always been a place of intellectual and cultural revolution, shaping ideas from the Manhattan Project to contemporary urbanism. Founded in 1890, the University of Chicago campus is where Gothic revival meets cutting-edge modernism.
With both neo-Gothic spires and modernist marvels, this campus is a rich study in architectural contrasts. Henry Ives Cobb designed much of the early campus, while modern icons like Helmut Jahn added their futuristic touches. If you’re into architecture, the University of Chicago’s campus is a South Side must-see.
The Silver Room
1506 E. 53rd St.
Founded by Eric Williams, The Silver Room is part retail space, part art gallery, part community hub. It’s where art, culture, and commerce collide.
The Silver Room is not just a store; it’s a cultural institution. By supporting local artists and creatives, it acts as a catalyst for Bronzeville’s artistic scene.
The interior is minimalist and flexible, designed to showcase art and events as much as jewelry and clothing. Whether you’re shopping for jewelry or soaking in an art exhibit, you’re guaranteed to walk out feeling inspired.
