Advancements to the Eugene S. Pike are underway as the Cook County Board unanimously approved a partnership between the Eugene S. Pike House Foundation and the Beverly Area Arts Alliance last month.

The organizations will work to rehabilitate the historic Pike House — which was labeled Illinois’ Most Endangered Historic Places by Landmarks Illinois in 2022 — as a cultural center. The work is set to be completed in three years.

The agreement to the partnership was the final step required for the Pike House Foundation to accept a $1.5 million grant from the state.

“This has been an idea or a dream that’s now being transformed into a project that we can actually get our hands on and start,” said Grace Kuikman, president of the Eugene S. Pike House Foundation.

The renovation has been years in the making, dating back to 2017, Kuikman said, and people have been waiting for the project to start.

Officials said they hope the renovation will inspire other communities to restore historical treasures.

“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,” Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore said in a statement. “This proves that with partnership and perseverance, we can transform neglected assets into thriving centers that celebrate our past and serve our future.”

Grant funds will be used to renovate the house into two phases, Kuikman said. The first phase will fix critical repairs in the home including the roof. The second phase will focus on putting in a heating system, adding electrical units and making sure things are up to code for the culture center, which will offer art residencies, galleries and music performances

Sal Campbell, the co-founder and lead curator at the Beverly Area Arts Alliance, said she wants people to get an idea of the history of the house while also celebrating art.

Local musicians, poets and creatives, as well as others on Chicago’s South Side, will display their talents when the culture center opens.

Eugene S. Pike House circa 1894. (Photo courtesy of Timothy Samuelson)

For Campbell, seeing progress being made toward the center is great. When the idea first spawned, she was left wondering how it was going to be done.

“It just seems like we just keep moving forward and doors keep opening up to us and opportunities keep opening up to us,” Campbell said. “It feels like we’re on the right track and that we’re doing something important and special and valuable for the community.”

The Pike House, at 1826 W. 91st St., in the Cook County Forest Preserves’ Dan Ryan Woods, was built in 1894 and is a historic site in Beverly. It was last used as a watchman’s residence, but has been vacant for more than a decade, leaving it in disrepair.

The Eugene S. Pike House Foundation in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood. (Eugene S. Pike House Foundation)

Kuikman said she’s working to raise funds and seeking help from other organizations. People can donate at pikehouse.org.

Campbell said a lot of work is still to be done, but will be worth it.

“We know this is going to take a long time, it’s going to take a lot of work, but we just feel like we’re on the right track.”

Cam’ron Hardy is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/02/cook-county-renovation-beverly-pike-house/