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Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Illinois town moves to seize Pope Leo XIV's childhood home through eminent domain, convert to historic site
The Illinois town where Pope Leo XIV's boyhood home stands is planning to acquire the residence through eminent domain laws despite it being currently up for sale. The home's current owner is reportedly trying to sell the home, but may have little choice over the matter. Under Illinois law, the village has first choice on the property through eminent domain, according to Attorney Burt Odelson who represents the Village of Dolton, Fox Chicago reported. The city can acquire the home through eminent domain, the government's ability to take private property for public purposes. "The village of Dolton intends to purchase this home either through direct purchase or through their eminent domain powers," Odelson told Misha Haghani, the CEO and founder of Paramount Realty USA, in a letter dated Tuesday that was provided to Fox News Digital. President Trump Calls First American Pope Leo Xiv An 'Honor' For Us, 'Very Happy' The Village of Dolton has the right to purchase the three-bedroom, three-bathroom home even if another buyer is willing to pay a higher price, the letter states. Read On The Fox News App "We will do what the archdiocese thinks is best to preserve the home so that everybody, not just in Dolton or the South suburbs, but worldwide, can come to his home," Odelson told Fox Chicago. Village officials are working with the Chicago Archdiocese to turn the home into a historic site that can be visited by the public, Odelson said in his letter. Cardinal Robert Prevost Announced As First American Pope, Taking Name Leo Xiv The house was built in 1949 and measures 1,050 square feet, while the lot on the property is just under 5,000 square feet. The current owner purchased the home for roughly $66,000 Odelson said. The home was renovated this year before going on the market. "It was on the market for $199,000 and then Pope Leo was made pope, and he took it off the market. And then there was silence," Odelson explained. The reserve price is $250,000, according to the Paramount Realty USA auction website, where the home is listed for sale. "Born Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV made history as the first American pope upon his election in May 2025. His childhood home is being offered for sale via private auction," the description of the home states. "Located in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois, this modest brick home was owned by the Prevost family for nearly 50 years and served as the foundation of a life that would lead to the Vatican." Bids will be accepted through June 18, according to the listing. However, Odelson addressed a letter to Misha Haghani, the CEO and founder of Paramount Realty USA that said it could stall the sale before it ever hits the auction block. "Please inform any prospective buyers that their 'purchase' may only be temporary since the Village intends to begin the eminent domain process very shortly," he wrote. Click Here To Get To The Fox News App Fox News Digital has reached out to Paramount Realty article source: Illinois town moves to seize Pope Leo XIV's childhood home through eminent domain, convert to historic site
Fox News
21-05-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Illinois town moves to seize Pope Leo XIV's childhood home through eminent domain, convert to historic site
The Illinois town where Pope Leo XIV's boyhood home stands is planning to acquire the residence through eminent domain laws despite it being currently up for sale. The home's current owner is reportedly trying to sell the home, but may have little choice over the matter. Under Illinois law, the village has first choice on the property through eminent domain, according to Attorney Burt Odelson who represents the Village of Dolton, Fox Chicago reported. The city can acquire the home through eminent domain, the government's ability to take private property for public purposes. "The village of Dolton intends to purchase this home either through direct purchase or through their eminent domain powers," Odelson told Misha Haghani, the CEO and founder of Paramount Realty USA, in a letter dated Tuesday that was provided to Fox News Digital. The Village of Dolton has the right to purchase the three-bedroom, three-bathroom home even if another buyer is willing to pay a higher price, the letter states. "We will do what the archdiocese thinks is best to preserve the home so that everybody, not just in Dolton or the South suburbs, but worldwide, can come to his home," Odelson told Fox Chicago. Village officials are working with the Chicago Archdiocese to turn the home into a historic site that can be visited by the public, Odelson said in his letter. The house was built in 1949 and measures 1,050 square feet, while the lot on the property is just under 5,000 square feet. The current owner purchased the home for roughly $66,000 Odelson said. The home was renovated this year before going on the market. "It was on the market for $199,000 and then Pope Leo was made pope, and he took it off the market. And then there was silence," Odelson explained. The reserve price is $250,000, according to the Paramount Realty USA auction website, where the home is listed for sale. "Born Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV made history as the first American pope upon his election in May 2025. His childhood home is being offered for sale via private auction," the description of the home states. "Located in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois, this modest brick home was owned by the Prevost family for nearly 50 years and served as the foundation of a life that would lead to the Vatican." Bids will be accepted through June 18, according to the listing. However, Odelson addressed a letter to Misha Haghani, the CEO and founder of Paramount Realty USA that said it could stall the sale before it ever hits the auction block. "Please inform any prospective buyers that their 'purchase' may only be temporary since the Village intends to begin the eminent domain process very shortly," he wrote. Fox News Digital has reached out to Paramount Realty USA.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Village of Dolton intends to purchase Pope Leo's boyhood home, potentially blocking auction
DOLTON, Ill. - A national auction house is calling the site a 'piece of papal history'—but there is a caveat for prospective buyers looking to purchase Pope Leo XIV's boyhood home. The Village of Dolton, on Tuesday, announced plans to acquire the house through eminent domain laws. What we know The homeowner—and any potential buyers—may have little control over the home's fate. Under Illinois law, the village has first dibs on the property through eminent domain, according to Attorney Burt Odelson who represents the Village of Dolton. Eminent domain refers to the government's power and ability to take private property for public purposes. The Village of Dolton has the right to purchase the home at 'fair market value'—even if another buyer is willing to pay a higher price. Dig deeper Life before the Vatican for the world's first American pope began in the Village of Dolton, "which is kind of cool," Odelson added. The exact address of Robert Francis Prevost's boyhood home is 212 East 141st Place. Paramount Realty USA, the auction firm that will be accepting bids on the home next month, states that the brick house was owned by the Prevost family for nearly 50 years. The 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom house built in 1949 measures 1,050 square feet, while the lot is just under 5,000 square feet. What they're saying The Village of Dolton hopes to honor Pope Leo XIV's past after taking ownership of the home. "We will do what the archdiocese thinks is best to preserve the home so that everybody, not just in Dolton or the South suburbs, but worldwide can come to his home," Odelson said. Following an influx of visitors, Dolton police squads are regularly stationed outside the pope's childhood home. Neighbors, like Donna Sagna Davis, who lives next door, have greeted many of those pilgrims. "From France, from Italy," Sagna Davis said. "You know, people are coming and praying, touching the house to be healed, I saw a young lady do that." Odelson says the current owner purchased the home for roughly $66,000 before realizing the significance it would soon carry. It was renovated this year before going on the market. "It was on the market for $199,000 and then Pope Leo was made pope, and he took it off the market. And then there was silence," Odelson explained. Odelson says over the last several days, the house made its way onto Paramount Realty USA's auction site. According to the listing, bids will be accepted starting June 18, but a letter Odelson issued on Tuesday—addressed to Mr. Misha Haghani, the CEO and founder of Paramount Realty USA—could stall the sale before it ever hits the auction block. "My letter changes everything. They have to give their prospective buyers notice that there's an intervening party here who takes priority, and that's us. That's the Village of Dolton," Odelson said. While exact plans are still in the early stages, the village is working with the Chicago Archdiocese to turn the home into a historic site. "And look at Dolton, it's gone from hell to heaven," Odelson said. "We have a great mayor and a great board. It's going to take a lot to turn it around, but we will do that. And here's the first step—divine intervention." It is also a welcome vision for residents like Sagna Davis. "It fit right with me, because I am a person who loves God and spends a lot of time in prayer," Sagna Davis said. "Public use is definitely necessary." What's next FOX 32 Chicago has been in contact with the home's realtor, who tells us he is connecting with his client (the homeowner) prior to issuing a statement in response to Odelson's letter. In the meantime, the Village of Dolton is moving forward with plans to dedicate 141st Place (between Indiana Avenue and Manor Avenue) as Honorary Pope Leo XIV Place. The resolution received unanimous approval from village trustees on Monday evening. Mayor Jason House has not yet announced a date for the dedication ceremony. The Source The facts in this story were gathered through listing materials, including a brochure provided by Paramount Realty USA, and an interview with Attorney Burt Odelson.
Miami Herald
19-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Pope Leo's childhood home in Chicago up for auction
By Ben Barry The Pope's childhood home in Chicago is up for sale again, after being taken off the market and re-listed for more when the owner discovered the famous former occupant. The three-bedroom home in Dolton, Chicago, Illinois, that Pope Leo XIV's grew up in was initially put up for sale on May 5 for $245,957 but was quickly taken down after Robert Prevost was elected pope. The 1,050 sqft home was bought by the Pope's parents in 1949 - who paid a monthly mortgage of $49 on it - and was owned by the Prevost family for nearly 50 years. But now the "piece of papal history" is up for sale as part of a luxury private auction with Paramount Realty USA, and bidding is due to start on June 18, 2025. The reserve price for the property is $250,000, and the listing states that the seller may accept or reject bids at any time. The listing states: "A truly one-of-a-kind opportunity, this beautifully updated home isn't just a charming 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence. "It's the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in history. "Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago and raised right here in Dolton, Pope Leo XIV's journey from this humble neighborhood to the Vatican is a testament to faith, perseverance, and purpose." The post Pope Leo's childhood home in Chicago up for auction appeared first on Talker. Copyright Talker News. All Rights Reserved.
