Pike House Lands $5,000 Grant From Landmarks Illinois

CHICAGO – 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 for historic preservation.

The Preservation Heritage Fund and Barbara C. and Thomas E. Donnelly II Preservation awarded z $5,000 grant to be used toward critical repairs of the historic structure’s roof, the first phase in what is expected to be a two-year rehabilitation project.

The Landmarks Illinois Preservation Heritage grants provide monetary assistance to significant structures or sites in Illinois. To meet eligibility requirements, structures must be 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.

“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 in a news release, president and 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.”

Grace Kuikman, president of the Eugene S. Pike House Foundation, said the grant will help fund the first stage of rehabilitating the historic home.

“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,” Kuikman added.

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 Pike House 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 about its projects, visit www.Landmarks.org.