Bronzeville is a reservoir of African-American culture for the city and was famous in the early years of the 20th century as the “Black Metropolis”. Perhaps the most enduring legacy of the Black Metropolis also known as Bronzeville is the legendary musical genius of Louis Armstrong. Even today jazz aficionados scout the neighborhood on the Louis Armstrong trail visiting the various jazz clubs that he was known to play at. Of course, the most famous of them all, the Sunset Café, is now the Ace Meyers Hardware Store. Yet, it remains a must visit on the Jazz track. Even today, it is not difficult to imagine the soulful strains of Louis Armstrong’s trumpet as he swept the crowds at the Sunset Café.
Despite all its vibrant history, not many years ago, Bronzeville was in a state of disrepair. However, recent redevelopment efforts have reversed the tide and the neighborhood has seen a huge resurgence. History is being resurrected as properties are refurbished. And the old is now melding with the new as the neighborhood breaks free from vintage condos and townhomes to rehabbed multi-unit buildings.
