John R Hedrick

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John R. Hedrick is an attorney and consultant who currently focuses on community and urban design issues.  He is now also sharing his experience and related interests. Contact at: mdrn.consulting@me.com

Personal and Technology Connections
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Personal and Technology Connections

Balancing Heritage and Technology

This month I’m combining some insights where my personal interests converge with community planning and architecture. I’ve been digging deeper into my ancestral roots, and my continuing interest in the East Coast took me to Newport, RI - a prime example of how to maintain the past we must adapt to modern technology.

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My “Circles” Book on TV
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My “Circles” Book on TV

My “Circles” Book on TV

I recently had the chance to discuss my book, "The Circles: An Architectural Heritage," on Glenview Television with host Yvonne Wolf. This was a great opportunity to explore a challenging balance of neighborhood design and architectural conservation. And in the process touch on Downtown revitalization, “Blocktoberfests” and related suburban design issues.

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Celebrating Holidays Through Public Art
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Celebrating Holidays Through Public Art

With summer holidays we plunge into a season of public celebration and wide range of emotions. From pride in our nation’s history to reflecting on political challenges, summer holidays evoke powerful sentiments.

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Public Murals: Painting theTown
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Public Murals: Painting theTown

Wall murals have been used effectively in historic “Main Street” revitalization efforts for many years. As new urbanism spreads to the suburbs (and more retail areas are struggling to recover) such murals may now be considered to add interest for more conventional shopping areas. This can get complicated.

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From Florida Shores to Suburban Stores- Finding Beauty!
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From Florida Shores to Suburban Stores- Finding Beauty!

“Some people look for a beautiful place; Others make a place beautiful” - Hazrat Inayat Khan

This quote resonated with me after returning from my recent trip from the coast of Florida to the familiar streets of suburban Chicago. I find it fascinating how our surroundings influence us and, more importantly, how we have the power to influence our places in return. Here’s my latest observations …

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Season’s Best Shows
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Season’s Best Shows

Movies to Orchids - and TV gig

This time of year my attention turns to “showtime,” from Oscar movies to the annual indoor show at the Chicago Botanic Garden. There's something about this transitional season to share entertainment interests - and even my personal foray into local TV.

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Seeing Vibrant Town Design
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Seeing Vibrant Town Design

The village of Arlington Heights, not far from my hometown, has long exemplified a vibrant suburban Downtown and entertainment destination.

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Mural or Billboard - New Look for Community Revitalization
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Mural or Billboard - New Look for Community Revitalization

Wall murals have been used effectively in “Main Street” revitalization efforts for many years – and often in smaller historic cities (as shown). As new urbanism spreads to the suburbs (and more retail areas are struggling to recover) such murals may now be considered to add interest for more conventional shopping areas.

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