Download the application here.
Overview:
The Irving Park Historical Society awards research grants to residents of Old Irving Park who own an IPHS Century House, which is defined as a house within the confines of Old Irving Park that is over 100 years old.
The purpose of this program is to aid homeowners to research the origin and history of their Century house, with the intent of preservation, to broaden the public’s knowledge of a historic property, to document and contribute to the rich historical nature of Old Irving Park, and to encourage the homeowner to preserve the property during renovation.
All applications must be submitted by March 15 to be considered for this year’s grant.
Research grants are awarded on a fiscal year basis and this funding must be used during that fiscal year. Upon completion of the research, a copy of the findings will be presented to the homeowner and a copy placed into the IPHS archives. The homeowner will also receive a plaque designating the year of construction. The homeowner must agree to display this plaque so that it can be seen from the street.
Program Details:
- The House to be researched must have already been designated an IPHS Tier I – Century House, and abiding by the Agreement as part of that program.
- The homeowner must be a member of good standing of the IPHS. If not a member, a15$ fee (payable to IPHS) will be required to submit the application.
- Applicant must make a formal application (forms to be provided in print and online format).
- Applicant must be the owner of the property that is to be researched.
- Property must reside in the confines of Old Irving Park – Bordered by Addison to the south, Montrose to the North, Pulaski to the east and Kolmar to the West.
- A maximum of 2 grants per year will be awarded.
- Research companies pre-approved by the board will conduct research.
- Grants will be paid directly to the research company.
- Grants are awarded on a one-time basis.
- Results of the research will be returned to the IPHS (copy will be made for the applicant) for inclusion in the IPHS archives, with the rights to use the information as it sees fit.
- IPHS reserves the right to revoke the privilege to display the plaque at any time for any reason that the Board of Directors sees fit.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Question: If I put a plaque on my house does this mean I can no longer renovate or change anything on my house?
- Answer: The Century House Program is a local Irving Park Historical Society designation and in no way prohibits you from renovating or changing your house. This Program IS NOT affiliated in any way to National or Chicago Landmark programs. With that said, we would like to you consider renovating in such a way as to preserve or restore historic characteristics of your property!
Download the application here.