Residents of the “Manor” know just how truly unique this neighborhood is, and since 1914, the Ravenswood Manor Improvement Association has worked to maintain this uniqueness. In 1914, the neighborhood organized the RMIA to maintain the “park-like” condition in the Manor. The RMIA, a historic institution in the Manor, annually hosts the garage sale, bike parade, and winter social. This unique neighborhood is more than a collection of distinctive houses; it is a community of people, but the community relies upon the support of its members. The objective of the RMIA is “To promote the welfare of the community in respect to the maintenance and improvement of the physical appearance of the private and public property; the compliance with the laws as applicable to private and public property; the maintenance of facilities with respect to the safety, health and welfare of its residents.”
The Ravenswood Manor neighborhood is located between Montrose and Lawrence, from the Chicago River to Sacramento. The RMIA was recently responsible for having the neighborhood designated on the National Register as an historic neighborhood. Located along the north branch of the Chicago River and surrounding the Francisco stop on the CTA Brown line, historic Ravenswood Manor set a standard for high-quality residential development within the City of Chicago. Then known as the Northwestern Elevated Railroad’s Ravenswood Branch, the train was extended to the Francisco stop in 1907 and is the rare grade-level CTA tracks. The Manor was a planned development laid out in 1909 by pioneer real estate developer William E. The Manor was an early success in what became the City Beautiful Movement. Built up from primarily Chicago Bungalows and American foursquare houses, the Manor features mature trees, inviting sidewalks, popular parks and relaxing gardens. By April 1910, Ravenswood Manor already had a population of 60. However, the Manor is more than a collection of historic houses; the people make it a neighborhood. Whether it’s Saturday mornings in Manor Park, lunch at the coffee shop or a block party on a hot summer night, the Manor is a place where neighbors become friends.
