Preservation is top of mind for homeowners who honor traditional architecture while making changes to reflect modern living.
From an Italianate Painted Lady to a classic center-entrance Colonial Revival, the five homes featured on the BAPA’s annual Beverly/Morgan Park Home Tour demonstrate how preservation can be combined with modern updates to suit today’s lifestyles.
The annual tour, which runs from 12 to 5 p.m., Sun. May 21, features homes owned by neighborhood residents who recognize the housing values of our community and its historic housing stock, and have worked to preserve their homes’ architectural value even as they make significant updates that align with the needs of today’s families.
“This year’s BAPA Home Tour shows that Beverly/Morgan Park residents are investing not only in their homes but in our community,” said BAPA Executive Director Mary Jo Viero. “We are attracting new homeowners who are keen to honor the historic architecture of their homes while updating them for modern living with renovations and additions that allow for long-term enjoyment.”
The Beverly/Morgan Park community has seen an uptick in home renovations and additions over the past few years, with dozens of building permits being issued for construction and renovation projects with project costs totaling in the millions of dollars.
“Every day we see more and more work being done on houses,” Viero said. “We hear over and over how Beverly/Morgan Park is a great community for families, and the homes on this year’s Home Tour show the commitment people are making not only to their homes but to our neighborhood. It’s good for the community and good for Chicago.”
Five fabulous private homes and one local institution will open their doors for hundreds of visitors curious to get an inside look at some the community’s most beautiful places.
Tour sites include:
A 140-year-old Italianate Victorian home that was divided into a duplex for many decades before the current owners undertook a complete restoration, turning the house into their dream home.
An elegant 1920s era Tudor Revival style home where beautiful original woodwork was meticulously restored and an expansive new kitchen created for a young family with a dad who loves to cook.
A beautiful frame Four Square that was the family home of the current owner who moved back from the West Coast to renovate the house.
A stunning 1914 brick home in the Renaissance Revival style, rich in architectural details including three sunrooms, a tiled roof, and an outstanding hand carved fireplace mantel. It’s a contributing building in the Ridge Historic District.
A gracious center-entrance Colonial Revival built circa 1928 whose owners have taken painstaking care to mesh the beauty of the past with the style and amenities perfect for a busy family.
The Home Tour is self-guided and begins with check in/day of sales, and a visit through the new addition at St. Barnabas School, 10121 S. Longwood Dr. The addition, opened in Aug. 2022, houses the school’s administrative and wellness offices, as well as the Innovation Center, modeled after high school and college science labs, as well as state-of-education media and language labs.
Home Tour homes are open from 12 to 5 p.m. Tour check in and day of ticket sales at the school open at 11:45 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. All tours must begin by 3 p.m. Advance tickets are available online at bapa.org/home-tour for $35 for non-members and $30 for current BAPA members. At the door, the nom-member ticket price is $40 and BAPA member price is $35 at the door; non-members, $35 in advance or $40 at the door.
For additional information on the architectural significance of the Beverly/Morgan Park community and to see the current exhibit, the Ridge Historical Society (RHS), 10621 S. Seeley Ave., will be open for visitors from 1 to 4 p.m. during the BAPA Home Tour. RHS admission is free.
For a very special treat and unique Beverly/Morgan Park experience, Home Tour visitors are invited to stop and shop in the stores at 103rd and Wood Street during business hours on Sun., May 21. Participating in offering specials and sales to Home Tour visitors who present their official 2023 event maps are: Beverly Dry Goods, 10% off all purchases, including clearance; Beverly Phono Mart, 10% off used vinyl, BPM merch and books; Ohana Ice & Treats, 10% off ice cream or shaved ice purchase; and Made Artisan Collaborative, 10 to 50% off on items from select artists. Certain restrictions apply and the offers are only good during business hours May 21, 2023.
Tickets for the Home Tour are on sale now. BAPA members: $30 in advance or $35 at the door; non-members, $35 in advance or $40 at the door. All tickets can be purchased on the BAPA website at www.bapa.org/home-tour. For more information, contact BAPA at 773-233-3100 or visit bapa.org.
Thank You Home Tour Sponsors!
BAPA could not present the Home Tour without the support of our generous sponsors: Mike Haggerty Buick GMC, Town Realty, Michele Pettiford @ Properties, Beverly Bank & Trust, Beverly Cabinets, Boston Beer Co., Pacor Mortgage, Uhlmann Home Improvement, Steuber Florist & Greenhouses, 19th Ward Youth Foundation, The Beverly Review, Peoples Gas, The Bloom Bar, Calumet Paint & Wallpaper, and RMH Interior Design.
BAPA is a not-for-profit community-based organization founded in 1947 and dedicated to preserving and enhancing Chicago’s historic Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood. BAPA is primarily funded by neighborhood residents, businesses, and organizations. Learn more at bapa.org.
