Are Glenview Homes Historic Landmarks?

The U.S. Department of the Interior recently awarded Glenview a $3,018 grant to survey "kit homes" in town — houses once sold through a Sears catalogue, according to a village press release.

These homes could eventually earn landmark status, making the property owners eligible for a real estate tax freeze — up to 15 years of lower taxes, the Journal & Topics reports.

Once the survey is complete, the kit homes will be put on a list of landmark-eligible properties, the village will hold a seminar to to explain the role of a landmark property and the Glenview Historic Preservation Commission will produce a recognition guide to identify these unique houses, the press release says.

“Kit homes” were sold in Sears and Montgomery Ward catalogs between 1908 and 1963, and came with an instruction book to facilitate construction, according to the village release. 

The kit contained between 10,000 and 30,000 pieces, they were shipped via boxcar and there could be up to 30 “kit homes” still standing in Glenview, the village release says.

Want to share the story of your kit home with Patch readers? Tell us about your catolog house in the comments below, or email stan.golovchuk@patch.com.