Property tax incentive proposed for historic Lathrop House

November 3, 2010

Peter Strazzabosco    312.744.9267


The home of Chicago's oldest women's organization would receive a property tax incentive valued at more than $573,000 under a proposal introduced to City Council today by Mayor Richard M. Daley.

The Bryan Lathrop House, at 120 E. Bellevue Place, would receive the incentive through an application filed by its owner, the Fortnightly of Chicago, a women's social and arts club founded in 1873.

The tax savings is available through Cook County's Class L property tax program, which offers 12 years of reduced property taxes on designated landmarks undergoing significant restoration. The house was designated a Chicago landmark in 1973.

"The Fortnightly has been a wonderful steward of the building and the tax incentive is an important part of the group's ongoing efforts to preserve it for years to come," Mayor Daley said.

A planned restoration of the building's Georgian Revival exterior includes masonry, window and roof repairs. Interior work will address the building's aging electrical, water and heating systems.

The 108-year-old structure was designed as a private residence for local realtor Bryan Lathrop by architect Charles Follen McKim. The Fortnightly purchased it from Lathrop's wife, a longtime club member, in 1922.

The club uses the three-story building for a variety of special events. In addition to luncheon programs every fortnight, it hosts guest speakers, seminars, and arts performances.