Estate Owner Puts Faux Church On The Market

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed)
Oct 2nd 2009 at 8:01AM

This is not a church, but the owner tried to claim it was to avoid paying real estate taxes. The Chicago Tribune's Elite Street column brings in the story of a home in Lake Bluff, Illinois owned by a banker who tried to duck out of around $80,000 in property taxes because he said that parishioners had congregated in his home so that his disabled wife could worship without leaving the house. Neighbors debunked that claim, telling the Tribune they never saw services held at the mansion. Over the summer an independent state administrative law judge for the Illinois Department of Revenue reversed the ruling leaving the banker liable for the tax bill. Now the property has hit the market. The Armenian Church of Lake Bluff is now for sale for $12.5 million, a hefty rise over the $3 million paid for the property in 2004.

The five-acre property is listed through Michael Realty & Associates and has 265 feet of private beach with elevator lifts to the beach. Listing pics are tiny but they show an exercise room, a barbershop with a mural, indoor pool, home theater, and a 12-car heated garage. The property was renovated with a 15,000 square foot addition in 2005. The master suite has a private wet bar, walk-in his and her closets and outdoor balconies overlooking Lake Michigan and an indoor private balcony overlooking indoor pool. The first floor great room has vaulted ceilings with four rain sensored skylights, a full formal dining room with attached butler pantry, with warming drawers and dishwasher, along with fireplace and wet bar. There does not appear to be a chapel.

Gallery: This Is Not A Church

Tags: chicago, illinois, lake bluff, LakeBluff, property taxes, PropertyTaxes, taxes

Filed under: Estates, Crimes and Misdemeanors

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

kenny17995 Oct 2nd 2009 4:34PM

I definitely don't think its worth $12.5 million. I like the exterior of the home, but I don't know about the inside.

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mercedes430 Oct 7th 2009 1:34AM

isn't it interesting that his own real estate company is listing the house? this guy is delightful, and a neighbor of mine....he is what is wrong with illinois politics. how the hell the the state recognize him as a church? Scam??? huh???? the beach is phenominal but the house doesn't go for a nickel over $6m...