Before I begin, I ask a simple question, why did you choose to live in Beverly and Morgan Park?
For the vast majority of us, we would say the unique and historic homes, the beauty they bring and the history we have long taken pride in. Our streets are lined with homes that carry stories—of craftsmanship, of character, of generations who’ve built and nurtured our neighborhood. Our community’s historic charm is part of our identity, but our legacy is being threatened by a quick flip.
In recent years, a troubling trend has emerged: an increasing number of longtime residents are selling their homes to real estate investors—some from outside the area, but not all. In fact, many of these flippers are people we know—neighbors, acquaintances, even community members—who see an opportunity to turn a quick profit but not taking into consideration, the expense of our shared history.
Flippers gut homes to the studs and install flashy but low-quality materials that mimic trendy design. What’s left behind are hollowed-out shells of what used to be rich architectural gems. Historic woodwork is replaced with cheap, fabricated moldings. Solid oak floors are ripped out and replaced with engineered vinyl planks. Stained glass windows, mosaic tiles, and built-in cabinetry—disappeared without a trace. In their place: sterile finishes, white shaker cabinets made of who knows what and open-concept layouts that erase the very soul of these homes.
While these homes may sell for a higher price after flipping, the true value – the cultural, historical and architectural integrity—is significantly diminished, but what we’re losing is far more important: uniqueness, craftsmanship and a connection to our past. The result? A generic sameness that threatens to turn Beverly/Morgan Park into yet another cookie-cutter neighborhood. Beverly/Morgan Park is a neighborhood with deep roots and a clear identity. That’s why, 50 years ago, we saw a similar trend happening and we fought hard to establish our historic districts.
Since 1947, part of the mission of the Beverly Area Planning Association (BAPA) is precisely this: to preserve and protect the historic homes of our neighborhood. For decades we have been instrumental in safeguarding what makes Beverly/Morgan Park special. But we cannot do it alone. It’s going to take a Village to Save Our Village.
This isn’t a crusade against change or renovation. Our community understands the need to maintain and update homes. But there’s a difference between restoration and erasure. There’s a difference between honoring the past and discarding it for mass-produced materials that prioritize a quick sale over enduring value.
Everywhere I go, people will stop me to ask about the “blue house” or call and tell me about a house on Hoyne or Winchester or Wood that they loved and now it has been flipped and looks completely out of place.
Our beloved historic neighborhood is defined by its unique character and the care that its residents have poured into their homes for generations. We all cherish the sense of community and the architectural integrity that makes this place so special.
As homes in our area come up for sale, we encourage sellers and potential buyers alike to consider the long-term stewardship of these properties. We hope that new owners will appreciate the historic fabric of our homes and neighborhood, and plan for intentional renovations that respect their original design and contribute to the enduring charm of our community.
Our local realtors are a valuable resource for connecting sellers with buyers who understand and appreciate the distinctive qualities of our neighborhood. We believe that thoughtful sales to owners who intend to occupy and care for these homes are vital for preserving the unique heritage and future vitality of our community.
Let’s support preservation-minded buyers. Let’s educate ourselves and each other on the resources available for maintaining historic homes. And let’s advocate—loudly and clearly—that Beverly/Morgan Park will not become a community of cut-and-paste houses with no soul. Our homes tell the story of who we are. Let’s not let that story be rewritten in vinyl and laminate.
If you would like to join BAPA in our efforts to protect our architectural heritage, please email me at mjviero@bapa.org or call 773-233-3100.
Sincerely,
Mary Jo Viero
Executive Director/Beverly Area Planning Association
