Beverly Hills/Morgan Park showcases one nationally recognized historic district, Ridge Historic District, and three locally designated districts: Longwood Drive District, Walter Burley Griffin Place District, and the Beverly Hills/Morgan Park Railroad Stations District.  There are also five individual Chicago landmarks:  Iglehart House, Adams House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Frank Lloyd Wright’s two American System-Built Homes, and Palliser’s Cottage Home #45.  Beverly Hills/Morgan Park is also home to many historic Chicago bungalows.

Responsibilities

Homes in the Ridge Historic District, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, are not subject to design review unless the owner chooses to benefit from a state preservation program, or unless the home is also in one of the locally designated districts.

For homes in the locally designated Longwood Drive District or Walter Burley Griffin Place District, and homes that are individually designated as Chicago landmarks, all City building permit applications are reviewed by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks to determine whether work will alter the significant historical and architectural features of the building.  The Commissions’ review and approval or rejection of permit application for exterior work protects vital design features while allowing properties to be rehabbed.  These procedures are published as Article IV, Building Permit Review, Rules and Regulations of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks.  Permits are not needed for routine maintenance work.

Incentives

Property Tax Assessment Freeze

Illinois owners willing to rehab their historic single-family, owner-occupied homes (either in a national of local district or individually designated) can obtain an eight- year tax assessment freeze with an additional three-year discounted assessment.  Homes must be at least 50 years old and not dramatically altered from the original appearance.  The owner must spend a 25% minimum of the assessed home value on work that complies with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.  Modernization of systems, kitchens and other non-formal areas or features of the property are permitted.  For information, contact Illinois Historic Preservation Agency at 217-785-4512.

Preservation Easement Program

Owners of historic homes (either in a national or local historic district or individually designated) are eligible for a federal tax break if they grant a preservation easement to the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois (LPCI).  Under the program, owners are eligible for a one-time personal income tax deduction – 15 percent of the property’s appraised value – if the façade is donated to the not-for-profit LPCI.  The homeowner must also make a cash donation to the LPCI of 10 percent of the tax savings, to help fund the cost of monitoring the façade.  Once the façade is donated, the homeowner can continue to make changes inside the home, but the protected area can only be changed in consultation with LPCI.  For information, contact LPCI at 312-922-1742.

Historic Chicago Bungalow Initiative

Beverly Hills/Morgan Park is home to many Chicago bungalows, described by architectural critics as single-family residences of one and one-half stories with the following characteristics:  brick construction, rectangular in shape; low-pitched roof with overhang/ full basement; and generous windows.  The structure will have face brick with stone trim and will have been built between 1910 and 1940.  The City of Chicago, through he Historic Chicago Bungalow Initiative, offers financial incentives for purchasing, restoring, and improving these homes once they are officially certified.  Incentives include: low cost loans for purchase, restoration and expansion; free architectural assistance and expedited permitting for owners engaged in restoration or rehabilitation; grants for owners to make their homes more energy efficient; and rehab tax credits for eligible owners.  For information, contact the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association at 312-642-9900.