Beverly Hills/Morgan Park residents are stewards of some of Chicago’s most distinctive architecture. The community is home to the Ridge Historic District, one of the largest urban districts on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as three Chicago Historic Districts and several individual Chicago Landmark properties.
The Ridge Historic District (designated 1976), runs through the heart of Beverly Hills/Morgan Park. Composed of more than 3,000 buildings, the district showcases every regional architectural style built between 1844 and World War II, and homes designed by significant architects including Frank Lloyd Wright, George W. Maher, Walter Burley Griffin, Daniel Burnham, and Howard Van Doren Shaw. Chicago Landmark properties are Iglehart House (1994) one of the city’s oldest homes; Adams House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright (1994); Frank Lloyd Wright’s two American System-Built Homes (1994); and Palliser’s Cottage Home #35 (1999). The Longwood Drive Historic District runs along Seeley Avenue and Longwood Drive. It includes Givins Beverly Castle, and is characterized by a rich mix of architectural styles that includes Italianate, Gothic, Queen Anne, Prairie School and Renaissance Revival. The Beverly/Morgan Park Railroad Station Historic District (1995), includes rare surviving examples of Chicago commuter stations built between 1889 and 1945.
The Walter Burley Griffin Place Historic District, (1981), the largest collection of Griffin’s Prairie Style work in America, the district showcases houses built between 1909 and 1914.
The neighborhood also has many certified Historic Chicago Bungalows.
Any proposed alteration, demolition or new construction affecting individual landmarks or properties in Chicago landmark districts are subject to Chicago Landmarks Commission review as part of the permit review process. Verify if your home is in a Chicago landmark district Chicago Historic Resources Survey
When working on your vintage home it’s important to use the right materials, adhere to the correct standards and guidelines, and use trusted contractors experienced in working on older homes. Learn more and find links to agencies that offer helpful and expert information here.
Many homes in the national and Chicago landmark districts are eligible for incentives for historic preservation through the Property Tax Freeze and Preservation Easement programs.
The Chicago Bungalow Association offers resources for restoring and vintage homes.
Ridge Historical Society archives a wealth of local history, including documented information on many neighborhood homes. Open by appointment, ridgehistory@hotmail.com or 773-881-1675.
Commission on Chicago Landmarks provides information on individual landmarks, how to get landmark designation and the status of city landmarks.
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency is an excellent resource for information on architecturally and historically significant homes and provide information on historic preservation and restoration.
Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois has programs to facilitate, educate, and promote historic preservation, including the Preservation Easement Program.
Low Interest Home Improvement Loans
Visit the city of Chicago Department of Community Development website to learn about helpful programs and resources.
311 City Service Request
Through the city of Chicago’s Online City Service Request community residents can make complaints about anything from an abandoned vehicle to tree trimming requests at any time of day or night. Find out more about CHI 311
Building Permits
To find out whether you need a permit for your project and to apply for your permit online visit the City of Chicago’s Department of Buildings website
Homeowners seeking education and guidance are encouraged to attend.
Meet experts in the field, learn about preservation, historic restoration and Beverly architecture.
The housing in Beverly Hills/Morgan Park is one of our most important assets, and BAPA is proactive in addressing housing issues that affect the community.
Email BAPA to report a property that is vacant or in disrepair.
To preserve the historic integrity of our community’s architecture, BAPA recommends initiatives that provide resources for ensuring that properties are rehabbed, restored and remodeled properly.
The Chicago Bungalow Association provides resources that include grants for energy-saving projects, low-cost loans, and recommendations for contractors specializing in work on vintage homes.
Chicago Department of Community Development provides extensive information on low interest home loans for general home rehab and improvement and other resources for Chicago residents.
City of Chicago Department of Buildings building permits are required for many construction projects and home upgrades. Find out what permits you need and apply online.