Dolton Mayor Jason House says he is excited to announce six community members have begun developing a plan for Pope Leo XIV’s boyhood home, though he still plans to appoint one more person to the Historic Preservation Commission.
“I think we have a very skilled and talented group that’ll bring an inclusive mindset to this process, and we’ll definitely get a great result for the residents,” House said Tuesday.
Dolton clerk Alison Key was sworn in Thursday as leader of the commission that also includes Democratic state Rep. Will Davis, village co-chaplain Deborah White, former Illinois GOP finance committee chairman Vince Kolber, and longtime residents Garrett Ghezzi and Lisa Montgomery.
House said Key’s contributions as village clerk qualified her to lead the commission, which is charged with deciding next steps for the pope’s childhood home at 212 East 141st Place as well as general pope-related tourism in Dolton.
“She’s been instrumental to so many things that we do within the village that, I guess because of her humility, many times fly under the radar,” House said.
House said the commission conducted its first meeting Thursday and will meet at least monthly to develop a plan for highlighting the home and encouraging responsible tourism.
“Myself and the village have brainstormed at least four potential paths for developing the area,” House said. “Each path has its own strengths.”
House declined to elaborate more on potential plans so not to interfere with the commission’s ability to recommend their own ideas to the village board for approval.
The village closed on the house in July, paying $375,000, and has since welcomed visitors who are often seen posing for photos outside its front door.
With the help of now commission member White, the village celebrated Pope Leo’s 70th birthday outside of the home last month. At the time, House said he was considering multiple ways to draw in more revenue as people stop by the house, including potential partnerships with nonprofits and property additions.
Tour guide Tucker Privette takes a photo of Grace Hornback and her mother Anita Lim in front of Pope Leo XIV’s childhood home during a tour in Dolton Sept. 6, 2025. (Troy Stolt for the Daily Southtown)
Tourists take pictures of Pope Leo XIV’s childhood home during a bus tour stop in Dolton Sept. 6, 2025. (Troy Stolt/for the Daily Southtown)
He said he’s researched approaches taken by other towns home to important landmarks for remarkable people, including those in other countries where popes were born. The Jackson Family Home in Gary, Indiana was another potential model, though less applicable due to a lack of consistent foot traffic there.
But House said a priority is ensuring “anything we do be consistent and mindful of the Catholic faith.”
“If we’re doing things the right way … as a by-product of that, the village will benefit,” House said.
House said he prioritized selecting at least two members who were devout Catholics.
That includes Kolber and another person who was selected to the commission but withdrew due to scheduling conflicts. House said he expects to appoint another Catholic member within a month.
ostevens@chicagotribune.com