NBC Chicago and Ward Room bring you profiles on all 50 wards this election season. As candidates face off in the Feb. 24 election, they are also facing a new ward map, which takes effect when the winners assume office.
In this profile, learn all about the 47th ward, which covers parts of North Center, Roscoe Village, Lincoln Square and Uptown.
Demographic
- Total Population: 55,074
- White: 74.76 percent
- Black: 3.07 percent
- Hispanic: 13.98 percent
- Asian: 7.17 percent (Source: WBEZ)
Current Alderman: Ameya Pawar
Ward Committeemen: Peter Coffey (democratic committeeman) and David Ratowitz (republican committeeman)
Who Else is Running: Rory Fiedler
Chicago Politics
Adjectives that Describe the Ward: Wealthy, family friendly, charming, quiet and safe
Economic Engine: Local shops and businesses abound in the neighborhoods within the ward. Lane Tech High School, the largest high school in Chicago, is also an economic booster.
Where People Eat: Restaurants include Ba Le Sandwiches, The SoFo Tap, Babylon, Pizza Art Cafe, Rockwell’s Neighborhood Grill, chicago Brauhaus, Bad Dog Tavern, Me Dee Cafe, Caro Mio Italian Ristorante, Golden Nugget, El Maya, La Sierra, Chicago’s Pizza Ravenswood, Mythos, Celtic Crown Public House, Danny’s Egg Head Diner, The Piggery, Zia’s Lago Vista, Pete’s Pizza and Meatheads.
Where People Drink: Bars include Half Acre Beer Company, Gannon's Pub, Tiny Lounge, Windy City Inn, The Globe Pub, Martyrs', Long Room, Black Rock, Finley Dunne's Tavern and The Pony.
Where People Pray: Churches and places of worship include All Saints Episcopal Church, Our Lady of Lourdes Church and St. Benedict Parish.
How the Ward Typically Votes: Ameye Pawar was first elected alderman of the 47th ward in 2011 when he won 51 percent of the vote, defeating Tom O'Donnell (44 percent), Matt Reichel (4 percent) and Tom Jacks (2 percent). Prior to Pawar's election, Gene Schulter was alderman of the ward, since 1975. In 2007, Schulter won 79 percent of the vote, defeating Martin Cooney.
Landmark: Lane Tech High School
Resident's Voice: Tom Kenneally, manager at Half Acre Brewery, said, "The North Center neighborhood and Lincoln Square have a cultural tradition centered around German and Austrian brewing heritage, which we respect, being a brewery ourselves." Kenneally said the ward has seemed to grow and prosper in recent years, and residents take pride in their community. He hopes the ward will continue in this way.
Ward Expert: David Kerber, president of Roscoe Village Neighbors
