116 W Prospect Ave
Ottawa, IL 61350
10 Beds
8.5 Baths
5,638 sqft (on 0.72 acres)
10 Beds
8.5 Baths
5,638 sqft
(on 0.72 acres)
Local Information
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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 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.
Home Highlights
Parking
Open Parking
Outdoor
No Info
A/C
Heating & Cooling
HOA
None
Price/Sqft
$106
Listed
180+ days ago
Home Details for 116 W Prospect Ave
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MLS Status: Active |
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Interior Details Basement: Unfinished,PartialNumber of Rooms: 16Types of Rooms: Master Bedroom, Bedroom 2, Bedroom 3, Bedroom 4, Bedroom 5, Bedroom 6, Bedroom 7, Bedroom 8, Bedroom 9, Bedroom 10, Dining Room, Family Room, Foyer, Kitchen, Kitchen 2 Nd, Laundry, Living Room, Loft, Other Room |
Beds & Baths Number of Bedrooms: 10Number of Bathrooms: 9Number of Bathrooms (full): 8Number of Bathrooms (half): 1 |
Dimensions and Layout Living Area: 5638 Square Feet |
Heating & Cooling Heating: Natural Gas,Forced Air,Zoned,OtherHas CoolingAir Conditioning: Central Air,Zoned,OtherHas HeatingHeating Fuel: Natural Gas |
Fireplace & Spa Number of Fireplaces: 4Fireplace: Family Room, Bedroom, Dining Room, Grand Entry HallHas a FireplaceNo Spa |
Gas & Electric Electric: Circuit Breakers, 200+ Amp Service |
Windows, Doors, Floors & Walls Flooring: Hardwood |
Levels, Entrance, & Accessibility Stories: 3Accessibility: No Disability AccessElevatorFloors: Hardwood |
View Has a ViewView: Water, Back of Property, Side(s) of Property |
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Exterior Home Features Roof: AsphaltOther Structures: Guest House, Second ResidenceExterior: BalconyFoundation: Stone |
Parking & Garage No Attached GarageHas Open ParkingParking Spaces: 10Parking: Concrete,Off Street,Driveway,Additional Parking,Yes,Owned |
Frontage WaterfrontWaterfront: River FrontOn Waterfront |
Water & Sewer Sewer: Public Sewer |
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Days on Market: 180+ |
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Year Built Year Built: 1902Year Renovated: 2023 |
Property Type / Style Property Type: ResidentialProperty Subtype: Single Family ResidenceArchitecture: Victorian |
Building Construction Materials: Wood SidingNot a New ConstructionNo Additional Parcels |
Property Information Parcel Number: 2211418006 |
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Price List Price: $595,000Price Per Sqft: $106 |
Status Change & Dates Possession Timing: Close Of Escrow |
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Direction & Address City: Ottawa |
School Information Elementary School District: 141Jr High / Middle School District: 141High School: Ottawa Township High SchoolHigh School District: 140 |
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Listing Agent Listing ID: 12528964 |
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Building Area Building Area: 5613 Square Feet |
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HOA Fee Includes: NoneHOA Fee: No HOA Fee |
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Lot Area: 0.72 acres |
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Special Conditions: None |
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Business Information Ownership: Fee Simple |
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BasementMls Number: 12528964Attic: Finished, Full, Interior StairWater ViewWater View: Water, Back of Property, Side(s) of PropertyBack On Market Date: Tue Apr 14 2026 |
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Source Internet Entire Listing DisplayMRD IDX Comments Reviews: YesMRD Listing On IDX Display: YesMRD AVM On IDX Display: YesMRD Address On VOW Display: YesMRD Price History On IDX Display: YesMRD Market Time On IDX Display: YesSource Internet Address DisplayMRD REMARKSINTERNET: YesMRD Remarks On VOW Display: Yes |
Last check for updates: about 5 hours ago
Listing courtesy of: George Shanley, (815) 228-1859
Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID, MLS#12528964
Also Listed on MRED as distributed by MLS GRID.
Market trends in Ottawa
Last updated May 2026
Avg. sale price
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Sale-to-List Price
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Price per sq ft
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Available listings
102
16MoM
Price History for 116 W Prospect Ave
| Date | Price | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03/10/2026 | $595,000 | PriceChange | MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12528964 |
| 12/09/2025 | $685,000 | Listed For Sale | MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12528964 |
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Property Tax and Assessment
| Year | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Tax | $17,207 |
| Assessment | $499,368 |
Home facts updated by county records
Comparable Sales for 116 W Prospect Ave
Address | Distance | Property Type | Sold Price | Sold Date | Bed | Bath | Sqft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0.56 | Single-Family Home | $386,500 | 06/12/26 | 3 | 2.5 | 2,674 | |
0.34 | Single-Family Home | $160,000 | 05/07/26 | 5 | 2 | 2,785 | |
0.35 | Single-Family Home | $299,500 | 05/01/26 | 4 | 2.5 | 2,547 | |
0.37 | Single-Family Home | $229,000 | 12/19/25 | 4 | 2.5 | 2,062 | |
0.74 | Single-Family Home | $530,000 | 12/01/25 | 4 | 2 | 2,684 | |
0.68 | Single-Family Home | $465,000 | 04/02/26 | 4 | 3.5 | 4,205 | |
0.54 | Single-Family Home | $282,000 | 12/03/25 | 3 | 2.5 | 2,169 | |
0.40 | Single-Family Home | $243,000 | 09/09/25 | 4 | 3 | 2,387 | |
0.28 | Single-Family Home | $221,000 | 05/15/26 | 3 | 2.5 | 1,264 |
Nearby homes
Get a sense of prices in the area by checking nearby homes.
OFF MARKETColdwell Banker Real Estate Group, Closed
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SOLDJUN 18, 2026Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group, Closed
OFF MARKETColdwell Banker Real Estate Group, Closed
SOLDOCT 17, 2025Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group, Closed
Assigned Schools
These are the assigned schools for 116 W Prospect Ave.
- Central Intermediate School
- 5-6
- Public
- 339 Students
5/10GreatSchools RatingParent Rating Averagemy daughter came from another school and required xtra help in reading and math. they tested her and said she didn't . i had her tested and she does. i have to pay someone to tutor her now and they try with the bullying but it doesn't work. the parents of these brats just don't get it. they ruin school for many.Parent Review13y ago - Lincoln Elementary School
- PK-4
- Public
- 446 Students
7/10GreatSchools RatingParent Rating AverageWe love Lincoln!! It is such a caring place for our kids and we love the staff! We have a few years left before our kids are done there after 4th grade. We will be sad when we reach that point.Parent Review7y ago - Shepherd Middle School
- 7-8
- Public
- 345 Students
4/10GreatSchools RatingParent Rating AverageShepherd Middle is an excellent school catering to the needs of all it's students! I'm impressed with the leadership of the principal and the involvement of the teachers and staff. It is a safe, consistent school and offers kids lots of experiences to get involved! Parents are encouraged to get involved and are always made to feel welcome!Parent Review15y ago - Ottawa Township High School
- 9-12
- Public
- 1193 Students
3/10GreatSchools RatingParent Rating AverageStay very far away from this school if you have a child on the spectrum. Their lack of knowledge, training and capabilities for teaching a student on the spectrum is totally mind blowing. The worst part is that they know this and don't care. Their excuse is we don't have the facilities to provide the students with what they need and they send them off to alternative placement. They also rely heavily on the school resource officer to intervene as a method of response to student behavior (and don't inform the parents.) They have no idea how to even perform a functional behavior analysis in order to address any behaviors and develop a successful behavior intervention plan. The administration only cares about covering their own bottoms against any liability or infractions of IDEA. We are very involved in providing the necessary supports to allow our kiddo the best chance of even surviving in this crazy world and this school, staff and administration just proves that ignorance is a lot easier to justify than incompetence. In writing this review I am actually doing the school a favor by trying to detour you from sending your kiddo here but please don't put them through it just to have them do an alternative placement in the end. Trust me we tried and the regression was unbearable. In general the commitment to students at this school is unfathomable. Take a look at their accounting web page and see what the teachers and administration are paid and you will understand what they really care about.Parent Review9mo ago 
Check out schools near 116 W Prospect Ave.
What Locals Say about Ottawa
At least 135 Trulia users voted on each feature.
87 % Say it's dog friendly
87 % Say car is needed
82 % Say yards are well-kept
81 % Say parking is easy
78 % Say people would walk alone at night
77 % Say there's holiday spirit
71 % Say it's quiet
70 % Say there are sidewalks
68 % Say kids play outside
59 % Say streets are well-lit
56 % Say it's walkable to grocery stores
55 % Say neighbors are friendly
52 % Say there's wildlife
48 % Say it's walkable to restaurants
45 % Say they plan to stay for at least 5 years
36 % Say there are community events
Sourced by Trulia users. Learn more about our methodology.
LGBTQ Local Legal Protections
LGBTQ Local Legal Protections
George Shanley, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group
Agent Phone: (815) 228-1859
Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of 2026. 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. Click here for more information
116 W Prospect Ave, Ottawa, IL 61350 is a 10 bedroom, 9 bathroom, 5,638 sqft single-family home built in 1902. This property is currently available for sale and was listed by MRED as distributed by MLS GRID on Dec 9, 2025. The MLS # for this home is MLS# 12528964.