Landmarks Illinois

Leadership

Gifford Park Association
Elgin

The City of Elgin’s oldest neighborhood was platted in the 1840’s and most of the housing was built by the 1930’s. The neighborhood features a variety of late-19th & early-20th century architectural styles. As the local economy declined in the 1960s, many property owners converted large homes into multi-family units – altering the character of the original dwellings and increasing the population density of the neighborhood.

In 1979, a small group of individuals concerned about their neighborhood formed the Gifford Park Association (GPA). In an effort to promote architectural appreciation through public education, the group organized its first historic house tour in 1981 – financed on a single member’s credit card. The tour is now in its 26th year. Proceeds from the tour are reinvested in the neighborhood. One use has been to purchase, rehab and restore problem properties for single family use.

Inspired by the City of Rock Island’s pilot program, the GPA also initiated an annual “Great Unveiling” that provide free labor and a grant to homeowners who remove artificial siding. The City of Elgin now administers that program year round as well as a parallel program for commercial Main Street properties.

Landmarks Illinois
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Chicago, IL 60604
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