Curbed Cup 1st round: (6) Wicker Park vs. (11) Bronzeville

The Curbed Cup, our annual award for the Chicago neighborhood of the year, is kicking off with 16 areas vying for the prestigious (fake) trophy. This week we'll have two matchups per day, and all the results and the full tournament bracket will be reviewed on Friday. Voting for each pairing ends 24 hours after it begins. Let the eliminations commence!

Wicker Park

Wicker Park is a neighborhood that has changed dramatically over the last decade. Once a hotspot for young artists and musicians, Wicker Park is an example of how quickly and how drastically gentrification can take effect in Chicago. Many legacy small businesses have shuttered over the years, but a few still manage to hang on. Some of most high profile gentrification battles in the Wicker Park/Bucktown area over the last year have been over bars and venues that have been anchors in the community for years—like Danny’s Tavern and Double Door. However, there have been some notable new additions to the area, such as the new Robey and Hollander hotels located in the historic Northwest Tower.

Bronzeville

Rosenwald Courts

Bronzeville has seen some steady investment in recent years, and the South Side neighborhood is likely to expect more in the coming years. The old Julius Rosenwald Apartments built in 1929 are currently being renovated into 239 fresh new residential units for the neighborhood while a brand new suspension bridge has opened, connecting Bronzeville residents with the lakefront. The neighborhood has a massive inventory of beautiful, architecturally significant homes and some are being scooped up for renovation or restoration. In addition, we may even see some news regarding the redevelopment of the former Michael Reese Hospital site in the next year.

But now, the decision is in your hands: Which area should advance? Cast your vote below, and may the best neighborhood win.

• All Curbed Cup coverage [Curbed Chicago]