“The Eugene S. Pike House built in 1894 is a historic home designed by Harry Hale Waterman. It is located in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago at 1826 W. 91st Street in Chicago. This picturesque home is nestled at the southern edge of the Dan Ryan Woods in Beverly, very near the 91st Street Rock Island Metra train station and facing a beautiful residential area. The home has been vacant since 2015 and is deteriorating. It is in the Ridge Historic District, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
“The Pike House is owned by and on land that is part of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPCC). Currently, FPCC needs to find an outside user who can occupy and invest in the property through a licensing agreement. The FPCC issued a Request for Expressions of Interest on April 28, 2023.
“The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is seeking creative uses including: arts, education, non-profit, B&B, event space, etc. for the Pike House/Watchman’s Residence.
“The Ridge Historical Society and Beverly Area Planning Association have been leading the preservation advocacy effort with the support of Landmarks Illinois and Preservation Chicago.
“The Eugene S. Pike House Foundation is working with a local not-for-profit organizations that wish to submit a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI) for an end use for the Pike House. The new Foundation will also submit a proposal that outlines the intention to raise awareness, funds, and assistance needed to underwrite essential repairs and updates for the Pike House.
“The Foundation welcomes volunteer assistance from area people who represent fields such as tax law, construction and restoration trades, real estate, not for profit organization, and historic preservation, as well as interested members of the community.
For more information, contact:
Debra Nemeth, Ridge Historical Society, dnemeth.rhs@gmail.com or
Grace Kuikman, Beverly Area Planning Association, gkuikman@bapa.org