Wheaton College v. Department of Revenue

This case presents the question of whether an apartment building leased by a college and used for student housing is exempt from property taxation pursuant to section 19.1 of the Revenue Act of 1939 (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1985, ch. 120, par. 500.1). Plaintiff, Wheaton College (plaintiff), appeals from the judgment of the circuit court of Du Page County upholding the determination of defendant, the Department of Revenue of the State of Illinois (defendant), denying the exemption.

In 1976, plaintiff acquired title to the Peter Pam Apartments. Plaintiff subsequently entered into a like-kind exchange of…