“The Cook County Board of Commissioners recently approved a landmark agreement between the Forest Preserves of Cook County and two local nonprofits to rehabilitate a historical house on the grounds of the Dan Ryan Woods into a cultural center.
“The Eugene S. Pike House, inside the National Register-listed Ridge Historic District at 1826 W. 91st St., has been vacant for a decade. The building, which was constructed in the late 19th century, was most recently used as a watchman’s residence for the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
“Over the past several years, the Eugene S. Pike House Foundation and the Beverly Area Arts Alliance have advocated for the preservation of the historical building, which is owned by the Forest Preserves.
“On Jan. 13, the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved a partnership agreement between the two community-based not-for-profits and the Forest Preserve. The agreement will enable the Pike House Foundation to accept a $1.5 million capital grant from the state of Illinois and begin work on critical repairs to the home.
“The building renovation will take place in phases, according to the Pike House Foundation. The first phase — which focuses on the roof, attic, chimneys and fireplace — will be funded through a capital state grant the foundation was awarded in 2024.
Grace Kuikman, president of the Pike House Foundation, said the partnership with the Forest Preserves is a first for Cook County — one she hopes will inspire others. ‘Our success in this project will set a precedent for other communities to work to save historic houses on public lands,’ Kuikman said. ‘It’s a groundbreaking agreement that was unanimously approved by the Cook County Board.’
“County Commissioner Stanley Moore, whose 4th District covers the Dan Ryan Woods, has been a champion of the Pike House Foundation and Beverly Area Arts Alliance project from the beginning.
“‘This is more than the preservation of a building. It is the reclamation of history for public benefit,’ Moore said in a statement. ‘By forging this unprecedented path with the Forest Preserves, we are not only saving a piece of Beverly’s heritage but are also creating a blueprint for every community in Cook County to follow. This proves that with partnership and perseverance, we can transform neglected assets into thriving centers that celebrate our past and serve our future.’
Preservation Chicago is thrilled the Pike House will be saved, restored, and reused. We worked closely with local stakeholders including The Ridge Historical Society and Beverly Area Planning Association, elected officials, Landmarks Illinois, and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County to help move this project forward.
Read the full story at Block Club Chicago
- Beverly’s Pike House To Be Restored Thanks To County Partnership; The agreement approved by Cook County will enable the Eugene S. Pike House Foundation to access a $1.5 million state grant and begin work on the late 19th-century home, Jim Lynch, Block Club Chicago, 1/26/26
- Preston announces $1.5 million to save Pike House, Senator Willie Preston Press Release, 9/30/24
- Can Beverly’s Pike House Be Saved? Arts Alliance Aims To Turn Historical Site Into Headquarters; The late-19th century home has been vacant for years. The Beverly Area Arts Alliance is working with Pike House Foundation to find money for renovation and turn the building into the arts group’s home base, Tim Moran, Block Club Chicago, 6/7/23