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Historic Preservation
in Beverly Hills/Morgan Park
Treasured Homes & Preserved Histories
Beverly Hills/Morgan Park has an extraordinary historical and architectural heritage, and historic preservation is an important part of maintaining and enhancing the community. The Ridge Historic District (designated 1976) is on the National Register of Historic Places. There are three locally designated districts, Longwood Drive District (1981), Walter Burley Griffin Place District (1981), and the Beverly Hills/Morgan Park Railroad Stations District (1995); and five Chicago landmarks, Iglehart House (1994), Adams House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright (1994), Frank Lloyd Wright’s two American System-Built Homes (1994); Palliser’s Cottage Home #35 (1999); and many historic Chicago bungalows.
Property Tax Assessment Freeze
Illinois owners wishing to rehab single-family, owner-occupied historic homes in a national or local historic district or individually designated, can obtain an eight-year tax assessment freeze with an additional three-year discounted assessment. Homes must be at least 50 years old and not dramatically altered from the original appearance. The owner must spend a 25% minimum of the assessed home value on work that complies with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Modernization of systems, kitchens and other non-formal areas are permitted. For information, contact Illinois Historic Preservation Agency 217-785-4512.
Preservation Easement Program
Owners of historic homes in a national or local historic district are eligible for a federal tax break if they grant a preservation easement to the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois (LPCI). Under the program, owners are eligible for a one-time personal income tax deduction, 15 percent of the property’s appraised value, if the façade is donated to the not-for-profit LPCI. The homeowner must also make a cash donation to the LPCI of 10 percent of the tax savings, to help fund the cost of monitoring the façade. Once the façade is donated, the homeowner can continue to make changes inside the home, but the protected area can only be changed in consultation with LPCI.
Historic Chicago Bungalow Initiative
A Chicago bungalow is a single-family brick, one-and-one-half story residence with lowpitched roof with overhang, full basement and generous windows. Built between 1910 and 1940, they have face brick with stone trim. The City of Chicago Historic Chicago Bungalow Initiative offers financial incentives for purchasing, restoring and improving these homes once they are officially certified. Incentives include low cost loans; free architectural assistance and expedited permitting for owners engaged in restoration or rehabilitation; grants for owners to make their homes more energy efficient; and rehab tax credits for eligible owners. For information, contact the HCBA, 312-642-9900, or www.chicagobungalow.org.
Preservation Resources
Ridge Historical Society
10621 S. Seeley
Chicago IL 60643
773-881-1675
www.ridgehistoricalsociety.org
RHS archives contain documented information on many neighborhood homes and the RHS website includes an online guide to researching home histories. Open Tues., Thurs. and Sun. 2 to 5 p.m. and by appointment.
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
1 Old State Capitol Plaza
Springfield IL 62701
217-785-4512
www.state.il.us/hpa
An excellent resource for information on architecturally and historically significant homes, staff can also assist in nominating buildings for the National Register and provide information on historic preservation and restoration.
Commission on Chicago Landmarks
Chicago Dept. of Planning & Development
33 N. LaSalle St.
Ste 1600
Chicago, IL 60602
312-744-3200
www.cityofchicago.org/Landmarks/
CCL provides information on individual landmarks, how to get landmark designation and the status of city landmarks.
Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois
53 W. Jackson Blvd.
Ste. 752
Chicago, IL 60604
312-922-1742
www.landmarks.org
LPCI is has a variety of programs to facilitate, educate, and promote historic preservation, including the Preservation Easement Program.
Historic Chicago Bungalow Association
1 N. LaSalle St.
12th fl.
Chicago, IL 60602
312-642-9900
www.chicagobungalow.org
The Association’s mission is to preserve the Historic Chicago Bungalow and assist homeowners, through education and resources, in adapting the bungalow to meet their current
needs.
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