Eugene S. Pike House (Photo Credit: Russell Ingram).
Rehabilitation of the Eugene S. Pike House (1826 W. 91st St., Chicago) is among nine historic projects across the state chosen by Landmarks Illinois to receive grants from Preservation Heritage Fund and Barbara C. and Thomas E. Donnelley II Preservation Fund for Illinois. Announced in December, the $5000 grant for the Pike House will be used toward critical repairs to the historic structure’s roof, the first phase in what is expected to be a two year rehabilitation project.
Landmarks Illinois’ Preservation Heritage Fund grants provide monetary assistance to significant structures or sites in Illinois that are under threat of demolition, in imminent deterioration, in need of stabilization, in need of structural or reuse evaluation or need to be evaluated for landmark eligibility.
The grant was awarded to the Eugene S. Pike House Foundation to assist in rehabilitating the architecturally and historically significant former Cook County Forest Preserve watchman’s residence which was named to Landmarks Illinois’ Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois list in 2022.
“Landmarks Illinois has been a dedicated partner in effort to preserve the Eugene S. Pike House for several years now, ever since we included the architecturally significant property on our 2022 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois,” said Bonnie McDonald, President & CEO of Landmarks Illinois. “Landmarks Illinois’ recent grant to the Eugene S. Pike House Foundation demonstrates our continued support to help the Beverly community restore and sustainably reuse this beloved and unique historic site.”
“The Eugene S. Pike House Foundation is grateful to Landmarks Illinois for the Preservation Heritage Fund grant which will help fund the first stage in rehabilitating the Pike House,” said Grace Kuikman, Foundation president. “From the very beginning of our community’s interest in saving the house, Landmarks Illinois has been an essential partner, helping us establish our foundation and navigate resources, through providing funds that will enable work to begin.”
Built in 1894 for Eugene S. Pike, a prominent real estate developer who helped to rebuild Chicago following the Great Fire, the Pike House was designed by noted architect Harry Hale Waterman. The structure is part of the Ridge Historic District, one of the largest urban districts on the National Register of Historic Places and holds an important spot in the history of Chicago and the Beverly neighborhood where it is located. Since 1921, it has been part of the Dan Ryan Wood Forest Preserve.
Landmarks Illinois grants are given on a matching basis, requiring the recipient to raise funds equal or greater to the grant amount. Matching funds for the Pike House grant were donated through a GoFundMe campaign through the Beverly Area Arts Alliance, which, through a partnership with the Pike House Foundation, will create a community cultural center at the house. From start to finish, the Pike House project is expected to cost about $2 million.
The Eugene S. Pike House Foundation is currently finalizing project specifications and raising funds in anticipation of beginning work in 2025. For more information or to donate, visit www.pikehouse.org or email info.eugenespikehouse@gmail.com.
Landmarks Illinois is a historic preservation nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting and promoting the places people across Illinois value. For more information, visit www.Landmarks.org.
