National Register Standing Tax Assessment Freeze Possible

On September 5, 2008, the National Park Service listed the Ravenswood Manor Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you would like to see the slide show that was presented to the state board as part of the application. This presentation has been converted into a PDF for easier download and viewing. However, if you have the time and the bandwidth, the original powerpoint file is available as well.

Presentation - Adobe Reader Format (PDF - 2MB)

Presentation - PowerPoint Format (PPT - 81MB HUGE - Takes a long time to download)

This presentation includes the history of how the Manor was built, images of the original ads the developer used to sell homes, and renderings of homes compared to how those homes look now in the neighborhood. A copy of the application will also be available on the RMIA website, which will include specific historical information about structures in the neighborhood.

The listing of the Ravenswood Manor Historic District was the result of an effort spearheaded by RMIA and its Historic Committee. The RMIA is especially appreciative of all the donors who were so generous and made it possible to pay for the application process. Without the support of neighbors, the effort would have never been possible.

The RMIA would also like to thank Granacki Historical Consultants, who worked with the RMIA to fill out and submit the nominating application. The Boundaries of the District are between Sacramento Avenue, the North Branch of the Chicago River, and between the alleys South of Lawrence Ave. and North of Montrose Avenue.

Nominating Application (PDF - 4MB)

As a result of this listing, an eight-year property tax assessment freeze may be available for owner occupied single family homes, condominium buildings, or multi-family buildings, with a minimum investment of 25 percent of the property’s market value, as determined by the County Assessor. Call the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA) at (217) 782-4836 or visit illinoishistory.gov for more information. Preservation Easements, or legal agreements between property owners and Landmarks Illinois assigning the right to review and approve alterations, allows homeowners to claim a one- time IRS income tax deduction equal to the appraised value of that easement, for qualifying structures. Call Andrew Fisher, Landmarks Illinois, (312) 922-1742 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. A dollar-to dollar, federal rehabilitation tax credit is available for 20 percent of construction costs for both residential and commercial buildings. It may be used by the building’s owner or sold to a tax credit investor. Call the IHPA at (217) 782-4836 or visit illinoishistory.gov for more information.

The Historic Chicago Bungalow Association also has a variety of grants available for purchasing and rehabbing a HCBA Certified Bungalow. See chicagobungalow.org.