116 W Prospect Ave

$685,000
Price
10
Beds
5,638 Sq. Ft.
$121 / Sq. Ft.
5,638
Sq. Ft.
$121
per Sq. Ft.

Description

Welcome to the Cora J. Pope Home, one of Ottawa's most recognizable historic landmarks and a rare opportunity for anyone seeking a luxury Airbnb, boutique inn, or bed-and-breakfast property. Built in 1902 by Milton and Cora Pickens Pope, this Victorian masterpiece has been lovingly restored to its original grandeur while thoughtfully updated for modern comfort. Perched on a scenic bluff overlooking downtown Ottawa and the Illinois River, the home immediately impresses with its stately exterior, welcoming...Welcome to the Cora J. Pope Home, one of Ottawa's most recognizable historic landmarks and a rare opportunity for anyone seeking a luxury Airbnb, boutique inn, or bed-and-breakfast property. Built in 1902 by Milton and Cora Pickens Pope, this Victorian masterpiece has been lovingly restored to its original grandeur while thoughtfully updated for modern comfort. Perched on a scenic bluff overlooking downtown Ottawa and the Illinois River, the home immediately impresses with its stately exterior, welcoming porch, decks and balconies, and intricate architectural details that have welcomed guests for more than a century. Inside, the grand foyer sets the tone with elegant woodwork and a hearth room featuring a fireplace, a stunning staircase, and warm gathering space. The adjacent full bathroom with a garden tub sits conveniently beneath the stairs. Off the hearth room you'll find a large formal parlor with space to relax, entertain, or simply enjoy the ambiance of a home with deep local roots; an elevator provides additional convenience. The family room offers another cozy retreat with a second fireplace, built-ins, and a turret-style sitting nook perfectly positioned for river views. The formal dining room is a showstopper with beamed ceilings, wainscoting, built-in china cabinet, and a fireplace, creating a timeless atmosphere for gatherings of any size. A kitchenette or butler's pantry with original cabinetry and leathered granite connects to the main kitchen, which blends modern stainless steel appliances with custom cabinetry designed to match the home's historic character. The main level also includes a bedroom currently used as an office, a full bathroom, and three additional flex rooms currently used as a gathering room, family room, and gift shop, offering excellent layout options for guest suites or business use. Upstairs, the expansive landing showcases leaded glass windows with sweeping river views and leads to four bedrooms, each full of character. Cora's room features birds-eye maple woodwork, a fireplace, and an en-suite bathroom with a stunning soaking tub and separate water closet. Milton's room also includes an en-suite bathroom and connects to an adjoining bedroom that can remain private or linked as a suite. The Starved Rock room sits next to a historic full bathroom with original "wet-set" subway tile and soaking tub. An additional full bathroom with tub/shower rounds out the second level. The third floor continues the home's rich character with the Riverview Suite, named for its stunning views, complete with French doors opening to a private balcony and an en-suite full bathroom. The Bishop's Suite features beautiful exposed brick, a walk-in closet, an impressive bath with curved walls showcasing a soaking tub, and an attached secondary bedroom and kitchenette, making it ideal for extended-stay guests. The basement houses exceptionally well-maintained mechanical systems, including a fire-suppression system with three 100-gallon tanks, dual boilers, anti-freeze protection, two sump pumps with French drains, 400-amp electrical service with a 220 plug, laundry area with egress window, and a convenient half bathroom. The elevator has been fully updated to current standards with new mechanical lines. Also on the property, sits a separate ranch home, currently rented. This property is a striking blend of history, luxury, and opportunity, offering an unmatched layout for short-term rental hosting, multi-suite accommodations, events, or a dream owner-occupied business. With its rich history, breathtaking views, restored architectural integrity, and modern updates, the Cora J. Pope Home stands ready for its next chapter. Don't miss the chance to own and operate a truly remarkable piece of Ottawa's heritage.
  1. Listed by George Shanley • Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group
    P: (815)-228-1859 C: (815)-228-1859 GShanley@Coldwellhomes.com

Property Details for 116 West Prospect Avenue

Area
Danway / Dayton / Naplate / Ottawa / Prairie Cent
Township
South Ottawa
Ownership
Fee Simple
Num Of Parking Spaces
10.0
Parking Included in Price
Yes
Air Conditioning Type
Central Air, Zoned, Other
Num of Interior Fireplaces
4
Heat/Fuel
Natural Gas, Forced Air, Zoned, Other
LISTING UPDATED: 12/15/2025 12:07 AM

Property Details for 116 West Prospect Avenue

StatusActive
MLS #12528964
Days on Market25
Taxes$17,207 / year
HOA Fees-
Condo/Co-op Fees-
Compass TypeSingle Family
MLS TypeDetached Single / 3 Stories
Year Built1902
Lot Size0.72 AC / 31,363 SF
CountyLaSalle County

Location

Listing Courtesy of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group
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Building Information for 116 West Prospect Avenue

Stories-Year Built1902Building Size-Lot Size0.72 AC / 31,363 SF

Payment Calculator

$4,819 per month

30 year fixed, 6.28% Interest

Principal and Interest

$3,385

Property Taxes

$1,434

HOA Dues

$0

The Payment Calculator is for illustrative purposes only.

Property Information for 116 West Prospect Avenue

General Information
School Information
  • Elementary School District: 141
  • High School District: 140
  • High School: Ottawa Township High School
  • Middle Or Junior School District: 141
Addtl Parking Information
  • Parking Details: Concrete, Off Street, Driveway, Additional Parking, Yes, Owned
Location and General Information
  • Front Exposure: Lake/Water
Taxes and HOA Information
  • Association Fee Frequency: Not Applicable
  • Association Fee Includes: None
  • Master Association Fee: No
  • Master Association Fee Frequency: Not Required
  • Additional Parcels: No
Property Information
Interior Features
  • Interior Property Features: Elevator, 1st Floor Bedroom, 1st Floor Full Bath, Built-in Features, Walk-In Closet(s), Historic/Period Mlwk, Beamed Ceilings, Special Millwork, Granite Counters, Separate Dining Room
  • Num Of Rooms: 16
  • Bedrooms Total: 10
  • Bedrooms (Below Grade): 0
  • Attic: Finished,Full,Interior Stair
  • Basement Type: Unfinished, Partial
  • Bedrooms Possible: 10
  • Air Conditioning: Central Air, Zoned, Other
  • Electric: Circuit Breakers, 200+ Amp Service
  • Flooring: Hardwood
  • Basement Bathrooms: Yes
  • Fireplace Location: Family Room,Bedroom,Dining Room,Grand Entry Hall
  • Room Type: Bedroom 5, Bedroom 6, Bedroom 7, Bedroom 8, Bedroom 9, Bedroom 10, Other Room, Kitchen, Foyer, Loft
  • Num of Baths: 8.1
Exterior Features
  • Type: 3 Stories
Utilities / Equipment
  • Sewer: Sewer-Public
  • Water: Public
Property/Lot Information
  • Exterior Property Features: Balcony
  • New Construction YN: No
  • Rebuilt: No
  • Rehabilitated: Yes
  • Rehab Year: 2023
  • Built Before 1978: Yes
  • Age: 100+ Years
  • Type Detached: 3 Stories
  • Total Sq Ft: 5613
  • Aprox Total Finished Sq Ft: 5613
  • Total Finished and Unfin Sq Ft: 5613
  • Main Sq Ft: 2663
  • Upper Sq Ft: 2950
  • Lot Description: Corner Lot, Views
  • Lot Size: .50-.99 Acre
  • Lot Size Source: County Records
  • Lot Dimensions: 242x153x205x95
  • Other Structures: Guest House, Second Residence
  • Zero Lot Line: No
  • Waterfront: Yes
  • Disability Access and/or Equipped: No
  • Construction: Wood Siding
  • Roof Type: Asphalt
  • Foundation Details: Stone
  • General Information: None
  • Living Area Source: Plans
Property and Assessments
  • Public Document Count: 1
  • Document Date: 2025-12-09T21:57:32
  • Photos Count: 75
  • Rural: N
  • OpenHouse Count: 0
Virtual Tour/Additional Media
  • Virtual Tour: None
  • Virtual Tour YN: No
Room Information
Master Bedroom Information
  • Master Bedroom Level: Third
  • Room Type: Master Bedroom
  • Master Bedroom Bath: Full
  • Master Bedroom Dimensions: 26X30
Bedroom #2 Information
  • 2nd Bedroom Level: Third
  • Room Type: Bedroom 2
  • Bedroom #2 Room Dimensions: 15X21
Bedroom #3 Information
  • 3rd Bedroom Level: Second
  • Room Type: Bedroom 3
  • Bedroom #3 Room Dimensions: 15X15
Bedroom #4 Information
  • 4th Bedroom Level: Second
  • Room Type: Bedroom 4
  • Bedroom #4 Room Dimensions: 15X14
Bedroom #5 Information
  • 5th Bedroom Level: Second
  • Room Type: Bedroom 5
  • Bedroom #5 Room Dimensions: 13X17
Bedroom #6 Information
  • 6th Bedroom Level: Second
  • Room Type: Bedroom 6
  • Bedroom #6 Room Dimensions: 15X13
Bedroom #7 Information
  • 7th Bedroom Level: Second
  • Room Type: Bedroom 7
  • Bedroom #7 Room Dimensions: 13X9
Bedroom #8 Information
  • 8th Bedroom Level: Main
  • Room Type: Bedroom 8
  • Bedroom #8 Room Dimensions: 12X17
Bedroom #9 Information
  • 9th Bedroom Level: Main
  • Room Type: Bedroom 9
  • Bedroom #9 Room Dimensions: 11X17
Bedroom #10 Information
  • 10th Bedroom Level: Main
  • Room Type: Bedroom 10
  • Bedroom #10 Room Dimensions: 10X19
Dining Room Information
  • Dining Room Level: Main
  • RoomType_DR: Dining Room
  • Dining Room Dimensions: 14X20
Family Room Information
  • Family Room Level: Main
  • RoomType_FR: Family Room
  • Family Room Dimensions: 14X18
Kitchen Information
  • Kitchen Level: Main
  • RoomType_KT: Kitchen
  • Kitchen Dimensions: 12X16
Laundry Information
  • Laundry Level: Basement
  • Room Type: Laundry
  • Laundry Dimensions: 12X12
Living Room Information
  • Living Room Level: Main
  • Room Type: Living Room
  • Living Room Dimensions: 16X30
Foyer Information
  • Room Level: Main
  • Room Type: Foyer
  • Dimensions: 5X9
Loft Information
  • Room Level: Second
  • Room Type: Loft
  • Dimensions: 23X14
Kitchen- 2nd Information
  • Room Level: Main
  • Room Type: Kitchen- 2nd
  • Dimensions: 12X8
Other Room Information
  • Room Level: Main
  • Room Type: Other Room
  • Dimensions: 43X19

Property History for 116 West Prospect Avenue

DateEvent & SourcePriceAppreciation
Dec 9, 2025

Listed (Active)

MRED #12528964

$685,000
Dec 30, 2017

Expired

MRED #09083322

$89,900
Dec 24, 2017

Expired

MRED #09083333

$159,900
Jul 1, 2016

Listed (Active)

MRED #09083333

$198,500
Jul 1, 2016

Listed (Active)

MRED #09083322

$110,000
Oct 31, 2015

Expired

MRED #08750924

$295,000
Jul 27, 2015

Listed (Active)

MRED #08750924

$350,000
DateEvent & SourcePrice
12/09/2025

Listed (Active)

MRED #12528964

$685,000
12/30/2017

Expired

MRED #09083322

$89,900
12/24/2017

Expired

MRED #09083333

$159,900
07/01/2016

Listed (Active)

MRED #09083333

$198,500
07/01/2016

Listed (Active)

MRED #09083322

$110,000
10/31/2015

Expired

MRED #08750924

$295,000
07/27/2015

Listed (Active)

MRED #08750924

$350,000

For completeness, Compass often displays two records for one sale: the MLS record and the public record.

Public Records for 116 West Prospect Avenue

Taxable ValueLand$33,977Additions$132,479Total$166,456
Tax Record2024$17,207 ($1,434 / month)
Home Facts
Total Finished SqFt5,115 SqFtAbove Grade Finished SqFt5,115 SqFtLot Size31,363 SqFtStyleMiscellaneous CommercialYear Built1902CountyLASALLEAPN22-11-418-006

Schools near 116 West Prospect Avenue

This home is within Ottawa Esd 141 School District.
Rating
School
Type
Grades
Distance
Public - PK to 4
Public - 7 to 8
Public - 9 to 12
Public - PK to 4
Rating
School
Distance
Lincoln Elementary School
PublicPK to 4

Shepherd Middle School
Public7 to 8

Ottawa Township High School
Public9 to 12

Mckinley Elementary School
PublicPK to 4

School ratings and boundaries are provided by GreatSchools.org and Pitney Bowes. This information should only be used as a reference. Proximity or boundaries shown here are not a guarantee of enrollment. Please reach out to schools directly to verify all information and enrollment eligibility.

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116 West Prospect Avenue is a single family home for sale in Ottawa, IL 61350. This property was listed for sale on December 9, 2025 by Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group, it's currently listed at $685,000. This listing's school districts are Ottawa Esd 141 School District, Ottawa Twp Hsd 140 School District. Nearby schools include Lincoln Elementary School, Shepherd Middle School and Ottawa Township High School. 116 West Prospect Avenue is a 10-bed, 9-bath, 5,638 sqft single family home built in 1902.

No guarantee, warranty or representation of any kind is made regarding the completeness or accuracy of descriptions or measurements (including square footage measurements and property condition), such should be independently verified, and Compass, Inc., its subsidiaries, affiliates and their agents and associated third parties expressly disclaims any liability in connection therewith. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. Offers of compensation are subject to change at the discretion of the seller. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Subject to change at any time. Compass makes no guarantee, warranty or representation regarding the accuracy of any waterfront feature, water view or waterfront view.

Listing Courtesy of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group

Based on information from one of the following Multiple Listing Services: Midwest Real Estate Data LLC (\"MRED\"), MRED PLN GRID, Northwest Indiana REALTORS® Association and NorthWest Illinois Alliance of REALTORS. Information being provided is for the visitor’s personal, noncommercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties visitor may be interested in purchasing. The data contained herein is copyrighted by Midwest Real Estate Data LLC (\"MRED\"), MRED PLN GRID, Northwest Indiana REALTORS® Association and NorthWest Illinois Alliance of REALTORS is protected by all applicable copyright laws. Any dissemination of this information is in violation of copyright laws and is strictly prohibited. Property information referenced on this web site comes from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) program of the MLS. This web site may reference real estate listing(s) held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or agent who owns this web site. For the avoidance of doubt, the accuracy of all information, regardless of source, is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be personally verified through personal inspection by and/or with the appropriate professionals. Properties displayed may be listed or sold by various participants in the MLS. Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of 12/15/2025 12:07 AM. All data is obtained from various sources and may not have been verified by broker or MLS GRID. Supplied Open House Information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.