CHICAGO – State Senator Willie Preston joined the Eugene S. Pike House Foundation, Beverly Area Arts Alliance and Commissioner Stanley Moore Saturday to announce significant state funding secured by Preston to save, renovate and reinvigorate the Pike House.

“This investment not only honors the rich history of our community, but also ensures future generations will have the opportunity to connect with and learn from this important landmark,” said Preston. "I am incredibly grateful to have been able to secure this generous funding to preserve our heritage.”

Preston announced he has secured $1.5 million in state funding to save the historic Pike House.

The announcement comes after years of advocacy and discussions on how and why Pike House should be restored and preserved. Groups such as the Eugene S. Pike House Foundation, the Beverly Arts Alliance and other far south side historical and preservation organizations have worked for years to garner attention and support to the cause.

“Thanks to support from Senator Preston and Commissioner Moore, what looked like an impossible dream to save the Eugene S. Pike House from demolition now looks like a dream come true,” said Grace Kuikman, president of the Pike House Foundation. “Our foundation and our community could not be more grateful for this support, or more excited to have these two exceptional leaders as our partners.”

For more information on the Pike House, visit here.