The Circles
For years I've been engaged in projects which blend historic conservation with architectural design— focusing on community enrichment. My work with Glenview/Circles serves as a case study of traditional neighborhood planning and design.
“The Circles: An Architectural Heritage" Book
I wrote this book in collaboration with the Chaddick Institute and Robert Shimer Photography. And it’s currently being expanded with new features.
It was initially planned and illustrated as a combination of a historic tour and “housewalk.” The featured homes represented a range of traditional architectural styles and locations.
The “Heritage” subtitle reflects that it’s not just about “historic preservation,” but appreciating environmental and landscape changes - and the people involved.
GVTV “Off the Shelf” Interview
My book and background was recently featured on the “Off the Shelf” TV show for authors.
I was interviewed by the knowledgable local host, Yvonne Wolf, in a wide ranging discussion of local history, architectural styles and town planning.
The 40 minute taping will soon be digested for broadcast release and distribution, to share my community planning and design experience with others.
Interactive Mapping
When I was more professionally involved as a consultant for law/planning issues, I collaborated with the PlaceVision urban planning firm to develop a web-based historic survey process.
The prototype Website application featured The Circles as a representative neighborhood project; and the tools were subsequently adapted for other town planning projects.
The current “Circles” site is still accessible; but currently being modified to update the features and adjust the purposes for new residents and historic documentation.
Centennial Updates
The development and history of The Circles neighborhood is closely tied to Glenview’s “downtown” - and the proximity to NSCC - as an early East connection with Chicago’s suburban North Shore.
The Village of Glenview is currently preparing for it’s 125 year recognition, as illustrated in this view of expansion in the area circa 1920’s.
The Circles neighborhood will also be celebrating it’s 100 year “Centennial” in July, 2024 with neighborhood involvement as noted below.
Neighborhood Involvement
The local Centennial celebration is serving is prompting the update my earlier research and publications - to add more homes with historic significance (some could not be documented in the initial publication).
This will also be an opportunity to include additional classical “revival” and contemporary architecture - with homes which have been modified or rebuilt.
This builds on the most important tradition of neighborhood participation and involvement, as depicted in this earlier launch of a “Heritage Trees” program.