Ravisloe Country Club Named To State Register Of Historic Places

HOMEWOOD, IL — A Homewood country club was added to the National Register of Historic Places for 2021, according to state officials.

The register includes Illinois sites scattered around the state with at least one in each county. In order to qualify, buildings and areas have to be over 50 years old and represent an important era in American design and history.

Ravisloe Country Club was awarded the distinction last month. The club, purchased in 1901 and renovated intermittently until 1920, was the Chicagoland area's first Jewish-membered country club, according to a spokeswoman from Ravisloe.

"Each of these places tells a unique story that is part of Illinois' rich history," said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Colleen Callahan. "They provide a physical link to the past."

Once a site is added to the list, owners gain access to preservationists and some financial incentives. A building does not need to be publicly owned to be listed.

Ravisloe Country Club, located at 18231 Park Avenue in Homewood, features a clubhouse from the Spanish Revival and almost 120 acres of golf course with a high concentration of hazards and traps.

Famous golf course architect Donald Ross worked on the land from 1916 to 1920, making the distinct style known to south suburban golfers today. George C. Nimmons is credited with designing the clubhouse.

However, as the 2008 financial crisis caused a decline in membership for the primarily Jewish club, ownership was forced to close its door for a year. In 2009, a south suburban veterinarian purchased the club and opened it to the public. According to a spokeswoman, the course is now a leader in sustainable landscaping and was recently named the 6th Best Public Access Golf Course in the state by Golfweek Magazine.

"The goal is to assure the viability of this special urban open space for social and environmental benefits for decades to come," said a Ravisloe spokesperson in an email.