Public Posts
Below are snippets of our conversations with the community through Facebook
If you’d like to see the images that go along with the comments, feel free to click on the photos or hashtags!
We’ve been getting a lot of calls from people asking why general contractor’s bids seem to be much higher these past few months.
Softwood lumber prices (plywood, 2×4’s, etc…) have increased nearly 50% since April, the largest four-month gain in the history of the unadjusted data series which dates back to 1949. (Per Bureau of Labor Statistics)
eyeonhousing.org/2020/09/largest-four-month-lumber-price-increase-in-70-years-outweighs-other-pri…
Largest Four-Month Lumber Price Increase in 70 Years Outweighs Other Price Declines in August
eyeonhousing.org
Prices paid for goods used in residential construction continued their upward trend in August, increasing 0.9% (not seasonally adjusted) according to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report re…Wilmette Construction & Inspection Update:
***Permits & Construction***
While the Community Development and Engineering Department offices are closed to the public, staff will continue to be working and to be available by telephone and email during regular business hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Building Inspections
Please call the Community Development Department at (847) 853-7550. If your call is not answered, please leave a voicemail message; a permit clerk will return your call as soon as possible. Requests for inspection must be confirmed over the phone; please do not assume that an inspection has been scheduled just by leaving a voicemail message. Inspections will be scheduled Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
Exterior inspections will continue to be scheduled.
Interior inspections will only be scheduled and conducted for new construction projects (where the structure is not currently and has not been occupied):
* Only one contractor may be present during an inspection. The inspector will interact with the contractor outside and enter the structure unaccompanied.
* The inspector will ask and the inspection will not be conducted if the response to any of these questions is affirmative:
1. Has anyone in your household been sick within the last 14 days?
2. Is there anyone you have been around/cared for that was recently sick?
3. Do you have a fever?
4. Are you experiencing a cough?
5. Are you experiencing shortness of breath?
6. Do you currently feel sick?
7. Have you traveled to any locations that are currently restricted by the US government such as Italy, Iran, South Korea, or China?
Interior inspections of occupied homes will not be done by the building inspectors. Instead, owners and contractors are asked to document work with photos and videos and/or self-certification. If you have questions about the acceptable documentation of such work, please contact the plan reviewer Scott Berg at bergs@wilmette.com<mailto:bergs@wilmette.com> or (847) 853-7526.
Permit Applications
If you wish to apply for a permit, you may use the permit pages below and email your application and submittals to comdev@wilmette.com
Electronic submittals are being taken at this time. Paper submittals can be dropped off in a bin in the vestibule of Village Hall on the east (fountain) side of the building, which will be open limited hours during the day, however since staff will not be on the premises, these submittals will not be processed as quickly as electronic submittals.
Please see the attached checklist for a description of what types of submittals are required for your project.
Thank you New Trier! Being able to really TALK to students about their dreams and answer their questions about a path to architecture was an amazing experience. #ArchitectureCareers #Wilmette #NewTrier
It was one of the best seasons ever! Thank you for the opportunity to sponsor a team and provide free concessions to all the players at the ballpark during our games.
.
#boomarch #BAteam #wilmette #wilmettearchitect #architect #wilmettebaseballassociation #wilmettebaseball
#roemerbaseball #dowhatyoulove
Process photos are always fun for us to go back and look at. Here is one of a small craftsman at the beginning of the renovation and after. Enjoy!
.
#boomarch #BAteam #beautiful
#photooftheday #wilmette #wilmettearchitect #architecture #architect #housebeautiful #luxehome_chi #craftsmanhome #dowhatyoulove
For those of you who love the cottage feel, don’t forget about detailing your ceiling planes. White drywall doesn’t invoke peace and serenity like a cedar tongue and groove can.
.
#boomarch #BAteam #beautiful
#photooftheday #wilmette #wilmettearchitect #architecture #architect #housebeautiful #luxehome_chi #dowhatyoulove #cottagestyle
We’ve come to find this solution works great for clients who have master bathrooms in a rear corner of their second floor. They always request more natural light, but want to maintain their privacy.
.
#boomarch #BAteam #beautiful
#photooftheday #wilmette #wilmettearchitect #architecture #architect #housebeautiful #luxehome_chi #dowhatyoulove
For those of you with smaller homes, sometimes the addition of a large island for seating can be too cumbersome for the kitchen to handle. Considering a smaller bay addition, along with built in seating, can be both more intimate and proportional to your home. .
.
#boomarch #BAteam #beautiful
#photooftheday #wilmette #wilmettearchitect #architecture #architect #housebeautiful #luxehome_chi #dowhatyoulove #banquet
If you have a flair for cooking, as this client did, show it off in your material selections as much as you do your food!
.
#boomarch #BAteam #beautiful
#photooftheday #wilmette #wilmettearchitect #architecture #architect #housebeautiful #luxehome_chi #dowhatyoulove
Boomgaarden Architects was honored to sponsor this year’s Cooks’ Tour 2019 (Winnetka) and would like to thank all those who helped to its success. The homes were once again beautiful examples of excellent architecture for over 600 patrons to experience.
Cooks’ Tour in Winnetka is organized each September by the Auxiliary of the Woman’s Board of Rush University Medical Center. This year’s event offered an intimate tour of each of the 4 showcased homes and sponsored a luncheon hosted in the Garden Room at the Winnetka Community House.
All proceeds from the Cooks’ Tour 2019 will support the Rush Community Services Initiative Program in under-resourced communities.
.
.
.
#boomarch #BATeam #beautiful
#architect #wilmette #wilmettearchitect
#winnetka #winnetkaarchitect #housebeautiful
#dowhatyoulove #boomgaardenarchitects
We had the pleasure of receiving three (3) more Village of Wilmette Historic Preservation Awards this week from Pulitzer Prize winning architecture critic Blair Kamin!
Below he writes affectionately about our hometown Wilmette, and encouraging its residents to voluntarily preserve and enhance their beautiful homes.
Also a huge thank you to the Historic Preservation Commission, Charles Hutchinson (Chair), Carmen Corbett, Richard Daspit, Jr., Robert Furniss, Melanie Glass, Christine Harmon, Tanvi Parikh, Joseph Vituand – AND – this years judging panel for their time and efforts.Gwen Sommers Yant (Architectural Historian @ Benjamin Historic Certifications), Connie Casey (Architectural Historian) and Erika Block (Landmarks Illinois Board Member)
Your efforts continue to bring awareness to the value of retaining our historic architectural heritage.
www.chicagotribune.com/columns/blair-kamin/ct-biz-wilmette-preservation-kamin-0531-story.html
Leaf blower ban went into effect May 15th. Please remind your landscapers not to use them or they can be cited by the Village inspectors.Dear Robin, How can I help reduce the use of loud and dirty gas-powered leaf blowers in my neighborhood? They are driving me crazy already!
Wilmette’s leaf blower restrictions went into effect on May 15th. Gas-powered leaf blowers are now restricted for all residential use until Sept. 30 except for gutter cleaning and driveway sealing. To learn about why gas-powered leaf blowers are no friends to us or the environment, visit Green Energy Times: bit.ly/2QerqSl
Kudos to our client and her vision. Another beautiful project completed with @bellatilewilmette. Just in time for a derby day celebration complete with miniature horse!
.
.
#boomarch #BAteam
#photooftheday #wilmette #wilmettearchitect #architecture #architect #housebeautiful #luxehome_chi #dowhatyoulove #jnovako #lemondropbakeshop @ Wilmette, Illinois
Wishing a happy 44th to our founding principal today, Chad Boomgaarden! #superman
.
#boomarch #BAteam #beautiful
#photooftheday #wilmette #wilmettearchitect #architecture #architect #dowhatyoulove
Wilmette has many historic homes representative of the Folk Victorian style. It is one of the most often found and duplicated styles of historic homes in America, next to the Craftsman Bungalow. From 1870 to 1910, affordable house plans such as Folk Victorian (unlike their dressed up counterparts the Queen Anne and Second Empire), was something most economical families could afford.
Since today’s new homes tend to have larger overall square footages than home from last century, we were deliberate in our decision to recreate the look and feel of a neo-Folk Victorian for the house at 730 Romona. Our vision was for the house to have similar proportions, verticality at the main gables, continuing this detail at the pediments at the attic gables and around the whole exterior. We also implemented the use of a wrap-around porch at the front to add additional visual interest as well as break up the overall size and massing of the new residence.
As of 1948, the area surrounding this home had yet to be subdivided and the Eden’s expressway was just connecting Wilmette to Chicago as a major thoroughfare. Romona School was built in 1958 and the Locust Junior High School in 1962. Wilmette voted to build New Trier West in 1963. 1968 saw the approval of an addition to Howard Junior High. In the time between 1940 and 1966 the population of Wilmette rose from 17,266 to 32,000 in 1966 due to the post-war population explosion. All these factors combined allowed for a vast development of western Wilmette. Prior to the new development, there existed a few older homes of the Folk Victorian style in the area (namely Pomona Lane and Illinois Road) which we were excited to draw inspiration from. Hope you enjoy it!
.
.
.
.
#boomarch #BAteam #beautiful
#photooftheday #wilmette #wilmettearchitect #architecture #architect #housebeautiful
#folkvictorian #dowhatyoulove
Proud to be supporting our local Little League baseball teams this year as a thank you to the community that has been so gracious to us these past 20 years. Love celebrating our rich local history and love of America’s pastime. @ Roemer Park
The deconstruction is almost as much fun as the rebuilding! Although this is usually the time when clients question the need for all those columns and beams. #wilmettearchitecture #wilmettearchitect #housebeautiful #boomarch #wilmette
Spring is here! The only snow-white color we should be seeing for the next seven months is in your kitchen. White kitchens forever! #wilmettearchitect #boomarch #thisoldhouse #wilmette
Keep it simple. Sometimes we stumble across projects that have such classic architectural styles that by changing to a monochromatic pallet and adding strategic lighting – you can refresh your homes character. #wilmettearchitect #wilmette #boomarch #thisoldhouse #winnetkaarchitect @ Winnetka, Illinois
I invite you to follow my journey as an architect, striving to improve the homes and lives of my local friends and neighbors. @BoomgaardenArchitects on Instagram.
My goal is to provide informative, inspirational, and humorous tips that may help you around your home for years to come!
@boomgaardenarchitects on Instagram – www.boomarch.com
Thank you! 🏡
With March Madness upon us, it’s time to get your home bar in order before the #finalfour hit the court! #wilmette #boomarch #thisoldhouse
Putting the finishing touches on our most recent new custom home! #dowhatyoulove #design #boomarch #wilmette
While most of our work takes place along the North Shore of Chicago, we occasionally have the opportunity to design homes abroad. Here is one we designed that continues to give us warm fuzzies as we huddle in the office warming our hands with our coffee mugs. #dowhatyoulove #boomarch #design @ The Bahamas
We all love our children dearly, but we often overlook the hard work it took to get them to where they stand today. It’s the same with our homes. There is a process, a progression, a transformation. We as architects and designers can often see a solution right away, but it definitely takes some elbow grease and a few dusty months to get there. #boomgaardenarchitects #jentalbotdesign #dowhatyoulove #design @ Wilmette, Illinois
This is how my desk greets me every morning- full of possibilities just waiting to be explored. I hope my future thoughts and expressions here will be as illuminating for you as they have been for me. #sketching #architect #sharpie #dowhatyoulove
Proud to be supporting our local McKenzie Elementary School Variety Show “A Million Dreams”, with our video ad, and of course, kittens. mckenziepta.com/mckenzie-variety-show-store/varietyshow2019/
4 more days!Six. Days. Left. On Sunday, March 10th, Wilmette’s very own SkyDay Project masterpiece will be unveiled at Going Green Matters 2019 (12pm – 4pm at Michigan Shores Club). And to make it even better, we’ve nearly reached our goal of 1000 photos 😱. You all have really been getting your photos in – as of this morning, we have 872 beautiful sky photos submitted. Can you help us get to 1000? We’re in the home stretch – and we’re so thankful to all you who have helped get us here!
🌍
IMPORTANT Parking Instructions: Due to the closure of the beach parking lot, all participants are asked to park in the CTA lot at 4th and Linden. (The Village of Wilmette has waived parking fees.) Free shuttles will be provided by the Wilmette Park District to and from the event.
If you want to be a better human and learn how to have a positive impact on earth – you need to attend this!
Note: Important Parking Instructions: Due to beach parking lot closure, all participants are asked to park in the CTA lot at 4th and Linden. (The Village has waived parking fees.) Free shuttles will be provided by the Wilmette Park District to and from the event. Please consider walking, carpooling or getting dropped off.
Kudos again to our clients, #KitchenLab and the design team for this amazing 1880’s renovation project from 2006. #keepmovingforward, #dowhatyoulove!The amazing response to our Hyde Park project sneak peek makes me overwhelmingly grateful. It also made me think back to our 2006 Highland Park project that started it all for KitchenLab. Even though we started our business in 2003, this was our first whole-house interior design project. I’m beyond proud that this kitchen has inspired so many projects. This is s kitchen if so many “firsts” that have stood the test of time and that we continue to use. Without the manufacturers and artisans who make all these beautiful projects, we wouldn’t be able to do our job! Shout out to @farrowandball @circalighting @tolixsteeldesign @davidhicksdesign (customer runner from @watson_smith_1929) @rohlfaucets @shawsofdarwenuk. I’m so grateful to all our clients that have put their homes in our hands over the years. Thank you!! #keepmovingforward #greatclients #dowhatyoulove #interiordesign #kitchendesign #kitchenremodel #bistrokitchen #bistrostyle #vintagehome #vintagekitchen
Houzz announced the “Best Of 2019” Winners – We were ecstatic that Boomgaarden Architects was chosen again for the Service Category award! Stay Classy Wilmette!
It’s never too early to start looking towards Spring! These are the bane of Wilmette and you can help make them obsolete.
pollinatorfriendlyyards.com/2018/11/27/if-leaf-blowers-are-destroying-your-quality-of-life-please…
pollinatorfriendlyyards.com
It makes a difference when lawmakers hear from you. Whenever a new leaf blower ban is put in place, the mayor or city council person interviewed says emails flooded their offices with leaf blower c…I have two sisters. They are both wittier than I and send me examples of applicable humor quite often. Here is their latest:
The practice of architecture is more than sketching on trace paper, napkin sketches, deciding what pens or pencils to draw with, day old coffee, and last-minute trips to Vegas with your client.
It means solving problems. It means creating not a house, but a home for the people who retain your services. It means what we produce should be of value to both the client and the community as a whole.
Thank you Wilmette!
Another successful attic renovation with a before and after shot.
Attic renovations are all the rage these days… With so many people splitting time between the office and home, or simply running the day to day needs of the family – getting that bit of extra livable space for the kids and yourself is as easy as looking up.
A before and after of one of our Bungalow renovations!
Although the term bungalow is now commonly used to describe a small one- or one-and-a-half-story home or casual beach house, the word is actually derived from the Indian Hindustani word bangala, meaning belonging to Bengal. In fact, bungalows as we know them were first built in India in the mid-nineteenth century by the British. The intent was to design an informal, easily constructed, one-story rest house for travelers. Built low to the ground, the structure had large porches sheltered by wide overhanging eaves, a perfect way to deal with the country’s hot, sunny climate. The American version of the bungalow did not appear until around the turn of the century. First built in southern California, where most landmark examples of the style are found, it was the dominant style in the United States between 1905 and 1930.
Wilmette is no stranger to the bungalow, but relatively few of these houses were built after 1930. Unfortunately, they currently make up a large percentage of the tear-downs currently underway within the Village.
Here is an example of a project where the client was able to make use of the existing foundation and first floor during the gut-rehab and addition – yet still retain the overall style feel of their bungalow. If you own a bungalow, these project often provide the best return on investment for a renovation project.
Bungalows were and are well-suited to a any climate, practical, and economical, and meet the needs of young families and first-time home buyers. For others, the appeal is more fundamental: Stylistically, the bungalow’s simplicity was a refreshing departure from ornate Victorian designs that, come the new century, somehow seemed less impressive.
Easy to build, bungalows could be adapted to almost any taste or region. At the height of the style’s popularity, several companies even sold bungalow kits through mail-order catalogs. Sears, Roebuck & Company started selling plans and building supplies in 1895, but it was the Aladdin Company of Bay City, Michigan, that in 1906 started to offer complete kits. All the building components (e.g., pre-cut lumber, nails, doors, plumbing) were delivered to the construction site, where local craftsmen erected the homes according to the kit instructions. This practice quickly made the Bungalow style ubiquitous.
We wanted to thank the Wilmette Historical Museum for showcasing one of our recent renovations for their "Spring Housewalk – Historic Homes Transformed" this past Sunday. The Museum selected four homes that embraced, maintained and enhanced the exterior/interiors, while transforming them for 21st century families.
This lovely red brick English Manor House was designed by noted Chicago architect Edwin Hill Clark in 1929. Clark (1878-1967) designed many noteworthy projects in the Chicago areas, including Wilmette Plaza del Lago, a pioneering shopping center completed in 1928. Clark was also the architect for buildings at Brookfield Zoo (1934), pavilions at Lincoln Park Zoo, Winnetka Village Hall (1925), and some of the Thorne Miniature Rooms for Mrs. Thorne at the Art Institute of Chicago. He also designed many fine residences on the North Shore.
Edwin Clark oriented this home on the property in such a way as to give the residents privacy by not directly facing the neighbors on either side of them. Its general shape bends in so as to focus on the entrance. Leading up to the front door is a terrace that gives the house a gracious, welcoming feeling. Details such as limestone lintels, French doors, third floor dormers and a projecting window above the front entrance all add to its charm.
Canterbury Court was originally part of the Philetus Gates Estate which included five acres and the house at 336 Sheridan Road, built about 1907-1908. In 1923, Mr. Gates sold the house and property to Albert E and Fannie Cross. In 1927, the Crosses began to subdivide their estate into lots which they marketed to wealthy families, creating Canterbury Court.
The property on which this home sits was sold to prominent Chicago banker Craig B. Hazelwood and his wife Estella in 1928. They hired Edwin Clark to design this elegant brick home with limestone details and a slate roof. The Hazelwoods had three children including a daughter Jean who married Hollywood actor Richard Widmark. In 1926, the Hazelwoods sold the house to Carl and Olga Wickman. Mr. Wickman, a Swedish immigrant, was the founder of Greyhound Bus Lines. The current owners purchased the house three years ago.
The first floor features many original details. There is an octagonal reception room, an oak-paneled library, and winding stairs to the second floor with decorative, wrought iron railings. The dining room is paneled in bleached knotty pine. Although some rooms such as the kitchen have been substantially remodeled, the residence basically retains its original layout. The many windows and French doors provide lovely views of the lake from the north and east sides of the house.
The Ganz family remodeled some spaces such as the master bedroom suite, sensitively redesigned by Boomgaarden Architects to suite the family’s 21st century lifestyle. As you will see, the Ganzs have also lovingly embraced many of the home’s original features.
Boomgaarden Architects was hand-picked by one of the Houzz writers to be featured in an editorial ideabook on the homepage of Houzz. What a wonderful way to wrap up our 2017! See it here:
This is How You Should Arrange Your Furniture
www.houzz.com
Learn basic layout rules to get a polished, pulled-together look in any roomWhen the first snowflakes fly, its the perfect time to think about that spring renovation project – and sipping sweet tea on your new front porch!
Attic renovations are all the rage these days… With so many people splitting time between the office and home, or simply running the day to day needs of the family – getting that bit of extra livable space for the kids and yourself is as easy as looking up.
An attic rebuild needs no new foundation, it improves the insulation of your home where it was previously lacking, the light, ventilation and views are amazing, and you can even make room for an extra bathroom and solar panels if interested.
We have the distinct pleasure every day of working with local friends, neighbors, and even our park district softball rivals. This was the case for one of our recent new homes, built by local general contractor Stan Xidas (jnsprop.com/).
Great owners, great contractor, and a welcome addition to Wilmette. This is one of our favorite projects to date!
Solar Success! – Talk to solar experts and local Wilmette solar owners. Get the facts. The more you know, the more you may be convinced to go solar! Doors open at Thursday, Oct. 5th @ 6:30pm. (Wilmette Public Library)
Historic architecture is often something we romanticize, especially in the small town where I live and work. It harkens back to a day when times were simpler and slower paced. Having slept in this "Yurt" recently on my travels through Oregon, I too found myself appreciating the romantic simplicity of historic shelter and reveling in the psychological and physical comfort four walls and a roof can offer. The mice seemed to be equally appreciative.
We get a lot of calls from couples trying to envision a potential addition before getting started with a project. Sometimes all that’s needed is a quick sketch to realize what your renovation or addition could be.
Labor Day is just around the corner, and that means grilling and putting up your feet. If your rear deck or patio isn’t currently the first place you envision yourself going to relax, maybe it simply needs a renovation of it’s own. Here’s a shot of one in it’s final stages – ready for friends and neighbors to swing by for some s’mores.
The end of summer is almost upon us and it is time to reflect back on some of our favorite work as of late. While most of our work revolves around renovations and additions in Wilmette, Winnetka and Glencoe, we’ve been lucky these past few years to have met families needing new homes designed. Here’s a taste of one of them.
We’re always happy to speak with you and answer any questions you may have regarding your upcoming home improvements. My firm Boomgaarden Architects has been working out of Wilmette for 19 years. Give us a call.
Boomgaarden Architects, Wilmette
nextdoor.com
7 neighbors recommend Boomgaarden Architects on Nextdoor.Thank you to all our past and present clients! We’ve again been rated Best of Houzz! We were recently awarded Best of Houzz 2017 – for Client Satisfaction at the highest level by the Houzz community in 2016.
A great article for anyone looking to renovate their home!
Everything You Need to Know to Hire an Architect
makeitbetter.net
Building a new home, or having significant remodeling done on your existing house, is no small undertaking.Coming Soon!
www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/wilmette/news/ct-wml-new-biz-in-old-realty-office-tl-0721-20160715…
Empty real estate office gets new owner, historic makeover
www.chicagotribune.com
A downtown Wilmette building that has been empty for the past seven years has a new owner and is undergoing a facelift that should reflect its more than century-long history in the village, according to the project’s architect.Leaf Blower Regulations in Effect
Between May 15th and September 30th, the Village of Wilmette prohibits the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers. This prohibition includes using an electric leaf blower powered by a portable gasoline generator.
The only exceptions tothis prohibition are:
• Useongolfcourses,publicparksorotherWilmette Park District property
• Use for roof,gutter and downspout cleaning
• Use in paving, repair or patching of public streets and alleys, or for preparation of private asphalt surfaces prior to seal coating.
Residents can aid in helping to curtail the nuisance caused in summer months by leaf blowers – please speak to your landscaping contractor and tell them not to use their leaf blowers during the summer months.
Starting designs for a rehab & addition to The Ambrose House, a historical 1890 Victorian mansion designed by Hugh Cathcart Thompson, who designed the famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN.
www.goinggreenmatters.org
GO GREEN WILMETTE’S ENVIRONMENTAL FAIR Sunday, March 13th, 2016 from 12 – 5 pm “Sustainable Suburbs” Michigan Shores Club, 911 Michigan Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois FREE RECYCLING will take place at Gillson Park Beach Parking Lot Going Green Matters draws more than 1,000 residents, neighbors, electe…NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING of the Plan Commission
Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at 7:00 P.M.
Council Chambers – Second Floor of Wilmette Village Hall
1925 Wilmette Avenue – Planned Unit Development
A request by Housing Opportunity Development Corporation for approval of a Planned Unit Development Preliminary Plan and Special Use to permit the construction of a multi-family building containing approximately 20 affordable rental apartments on the property at 1925 Wilmette Avenue.
Come one and come all, to listen to the discussion and give your voice for or against this issue.
-Chad Boomgaarden
The interiors of these homes will blow your mind, or at least give you ideas for fun updates for your own home!
Housewalk: “Preserving Our Past” | Wilmette Historical Museum
www.wilmettehistory.org
Sunday, May 17, 20151:00 – 5:00 p.m.$40 in advance for museum members, $50 in advance for non-members The Wilmette Historical Society is pleased to announce its 28th annual Spring Housewalk. This year’s housewalk, “Preserving Our Past,” celebrates four homes whose current owners’ preservation and…Wilmette, you won, and are the proud new parent of a new mixed use development. The Village listened to you all, reduced the price for the property and the developers agreed to take 20′ off of the building as well as reducing the overall mass. More to follow, but the votes are in.
TODAY IS THE VOTE!
Please email: Bob Bielinski – Bielinskib@wilmette.com (Village President of Wilmette) or John Adler (adlerj@wilmette.com) (Village Director of Community Development)
As Wilmette residents, we have the innate calling to preserve the character of our Village. We all love Wilmette for many reasons, from our broad, tree lined streets, our quaint downtown and the charming architecture in our residences, retail and local religious buildings. We appreciate the size and scale that our current community offers, understanding that development will ONLY be approved based on the further improvement upon these traits as delineated in our Master Plan (5 stories @ 50’ not 7 stories @ 90’). This development is NOT a public need or want, and any potential profitability or monies to be recouped by the Village by the sale of this property is not worth enduring the permanent scar this development would leave on the landscape of Wilmette and our identity.
The proposal for 611 Green Bay Road is severely flawed, being too tall (90’), too big in mass and too architecturally generic.
Village Trustees, Please VOTE NO.
NEW VISUALS!!! – SEE IMAGES ATTACHED!
TOMORROW, April 8th, @ 7PM – The Planning Commission will look to Residents for their opinions on this Development at Village Hall.
The Village’s Master Plan called for 4-5 stories of development and an axial park in line with the Library, as shown by their black and white hand rendering.
The developers want to build something much different and much larger than the Village Master Plan calls for.
Here is a list of the items the Developers want relief from:
The petitioner seeks exceptions to allow the following relief in connection with the proposed special use for a planned unit development:
1. A ground floor office use in the nature of a multi-family housing management and leasing office
2. Parking at grade, but located entirely within The Wilshore’s parking garage
3. An increase in the maximum permitted building height from 65’ and five stories to (a) 78’ and six stories adjacent to Green Bay Road and (b) 78’ and seven stories adjacent to the alley located immediately west of, and parallel to, Green Bay Road, all as measured from average abutting grade to the highest point of the roof
4. An increase in the maximum permitted encroachment of a parapet wall from 2’ above the district height limit to 18’ above said limit, inclusive of a 6’ high mechanical screen wall necessary to conceal the tallest rooftop-mounted mechanical element
5. An increase in the maximum permitted encroachment of an elevator housing penthouse from 12’ about the district height limit to 23.83’ about said limit
6. Varying roof line heights on the east and west building facades at a distance in excess of 25 linear feet of building length in accordance with The Wilshore’s proposed building elevations
7. Misalignment between the horizontal ground floor and upper story building façade elements of The Wilshore in comparison to those elements of surrounding buildings
8. A reduction in the minimum number of off-street parking spaces devoted to the proposed 6,550 square foot commercial space from as many as 53 spaces (in the event all of such commercial space is occupied by one or more limited-service restaurants) to a total of 13 spaces, ten of which will be located within the proposed parking garage and dedicated solely to employee use, and the remaining three of which will be on-street parking spaces located along the subject property’s front lot line and credited as off-street parking
9. A reduction in the minimum number of dedicated pedestrian access paths from two to zero
10. A reduction in the minimum ground floor transparency from 40% to 32%
11. An increase in the maximum permitted area of ground floor residential common space from 600 square feet to 3,450 square feet
12. An increase in the maximum permitted height of an outdoor fireplace chimney from 15’ to 35’ above average abutting grade (due to the proposed construction of such outdoor fireplace on the second floor of The Wilshore, which will be 20’ above abutting grade)
13. An increase in the number of primary signs from one to three; an increase in the number of secondary/projecting signs from one to three; an increase in the maximum permitted sign area of the projecting sign for the residential building component from six square feet to 14 square feet; and an increase in the maximum projection of the projecting sign for the residential building component from four feet to not more than five feet.
If OPPOSED contact Village of Wilmette: Contact Wilmette Community Development Director John Adler 847-853-7529, adlerj@wilmette.com
Please send an email or letter if you cannot attend April 8th!
Come on out! We’ll see you there.
www.gogreenwilmette.org
Going Green Matters 2015 is relocating to the Michigan Shores Club in Wilmette due to the sad and devastating fire at the Woman’s Club of Wilmette. This year’s Going Green Matters will feature Skidmore, Owings & Merrill’s (SOM) interactive, stunning and educational displays developed for the Great L…In case you were up wondering about this… www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18262852/list/How-to-Get-Your-Furniture-Arrangement-Right
How to Get Your Furniture Arrangement Right
www.houzz.com
Like a blank page or canvas, an empty room can be either an opportunity or a challenge. With so many ways to fill it, how do you know where to start?I’ve taken some of the basic rules of furniture arrangement and distilled them into 10 simple tips. They’ll help you figure out where to put things, wh…Houzz announced the “Best Of 2015” Winners – We were ecstatic that Boomgaarden Architects was chosen again for the Design Category award! Stay Classy Wilmette!
Boomgaarden Architects – Wilmette, IL, US 60091
www.houzz.com
10 reviews of Boomgaarden Architects. "Boomgaarden Architects has been involved in many areas of architectural design, with a particular emphasis in renovations of existing housing,…Thank you Wilmette!
We were again honored during the 22nd annual Wilmette Historic Preservation Awards on October 28th, at the Wilmette Village Hall. Earlier this fall, residents were invited to nominate buildings, gardens and/or landscapes that reflected or enhanced the historic character of the Village. This award was given for the sympathetic addition to an Arts & Crafts Bungalow at 5th & Maple. This is our fourth Historic award to date.
Informational meeting being given regarding Wilmette’s participation in our local solar power purchasing program.
www.gogreenwilmette.org/ai1ec_event/learn-about-new-solar-program-in-wilmette/?instance_id=4266
Solar Chicago Comes to Wilmette
www.gogreenwilmette.org
Solar Chicago Comes to WilmetteBack to CalendarAdd to CalendarAdd to GoogleWhen: August 20, 2014 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Where: Wilmette Village HallCost: Free Featured Event Go Green Wilmette Other EventsPlease join us at the Wilmette Village Hall Council Chambers on August 20th from 7-8:30pm to learn…www.microgrid-solar.com/chicago/
For residents looking to take advantage of great rebates/discounts for solar panels to offset your electrical usage, contact Microgrid Solar. Total system cost prior to rebates: $13,700. Rebates/Credits include $3,000 (Chicago Bulk), $3,200 Fed. Tax Credit, $2,700 "Potential" State Rebate, and $300 in anticipated electricity put back to the grid yearly. This system would provide half our own homes electricity. Payback for investment in 6-7 years. Signing cost to owner is $10,700. Federal Tax Credit $3,200, we’ll have to take care of during taxes, and the State Rebate $2,700, is a lottery…. The lottery system is something to consider before signing. Total utility savings, anticipating a 5.5% increase in utility charges over 25 year warranty, is $20,000.
www.microgrid-solar.com
As a part of our national expansion plan, Microgrid has moved into the Chicago area, and we are excited about the early success we are achieving, with dozens ofIf you can, vote NO to the Winnetka Storm Water referendum. It will not help our beaches, nor our little ones in the water.
www.ecowren.net
Truthiness will not help us achieve the most environmentally and economically prudent stormwater solutions to protect our homes and community.Sunday 1-5pm… Bring the kids for a great program on helping your local environment!This year’s theme for Go Green Wilmette’s Fair is Water- Sunday, March 9 from 1-5 pm. Check out all the new and exciting new exhibits.
Boomgaarden Architects of Wilmette Receives ‘Best Of Houzz’ 2014 Award
Annual Survey and Analysis of 16 Million Monthly Users
Reveals Top-Rated Building, Remodeling and Design Professionals
[Wilmette, IL] — February 4, 2014 – Boomgaarden Architects of Wilmette, IL has been awarded “Best Of Houzz” 2014. The 16-year old residential design firm was chosen by the more than 16 million monthly users that comprise the Houzz community.
Winners will receive a “Best Of Houzz 2014” badge on their profiles, showing their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area.
“Houzz provides homeowners with the most comprehensive view of home building, remodeling and design professionals, empowering them to find and hire the right professional to execute their vision,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of community for Houzz. “We’re delighted to recognize Chad Boomgaarden among our “Best Of” professionals for customer satisfaction as judged by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts who are actively remodeling and decorating their homes.”
Boomgaarden Architects of Wilmette Receives ‘Best of Remodeling’ 2012 Award
First-Ever Survey & Analysis of More than 1.2 Million Members Reveals Top-Rated Professionals and Current Design Trends from Across the Country
[Wilmette, IL] — May 1, 2012 – Boomgaarden Architects of Wilmette, IL has been awarded “Best Of Remodeling” 2012 by Houzz, the leading online platform for residential remodeling and design. The 14-year old residential design firm was chosen by the more than 1.2 million registered members of the Houzz community.
“With 3.5 million monthly unique users and 80 million monthly page views, Houzz has rapidly become the largest community of active remodelers, providing homeowners and design enthusiasts with first-hand advice from Houzzers who have been through the renovating and decorating process,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of marketing for Houzz. “This is a real stamp of approval for Chad Boomgaarden, principal of Boomgaarden Architects from the Houzz community and we’re thrilled to welcome him to this elite group of ‘Best Of’ winners.”
Renovation Style magazine recently blessed us on their cover! They published another project of ours and we’re just getting the photos up for you to see. We’ll follow up soon with the whole 10 page spread for this fantastic project in Winnetka.
Chicago Home Improvement Magazine bestowed the honor of "Makeover of the Month" to one of my favorite circa 1873 projects to date. The contributors to this fine project were Architect Chad Boomgaarden, Wilmette (www.boomarch.com); Designer Rebekah Zaveloff of KitchenLab, Chicago (www.kitchenlab-chicago.com); and built by the Grimsley Group, Chicago (www.grimsleygroup.com)
Past Post, but a fun one.
A-List Movie to Shoot in Wilmette:
Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Gwenyth Paltrow, Jude Law and Laurence Fishburne will shoot scenes for a Soderbergh film in Wilmette on the 600 block of Greenleaf in a residence we designed in 2006.
This is one of those surreal things that happens from time to time in a persons life that gives a bit a levity to the daily work schedule. It should be an interesting Thanksgiving in Wilmette. The best part of this news is that our house was chosen in part because it was a new residence, with a modern open floor plan, yet the exterior retains the character and context of the neighborhood and looks as if it were designed in the 1920’s. Despite explaining this to my wife, she just keeps asking when she gets to meet Matt Damon.
Project can be seen here, and an article describing the movie at North Shore Views.
Thanks, Chicago Home+Garden Magazine!
Wanted to give a big thanks to Chicago Home+Garden for publishing a wonderful layout on one of our favorite KitchenLab projects in conjunction with Boomgaarden Architects on Chicago’s North Shore, in the issue hitting stands now. . The photography Eric Hausman and styling by Diane Ewing is amazing as is the writing by Strange Closet’s Tate Gunnerson. (Speaking of which…you can peer inside all the rooms of this house, if interested, on Strange Closets). Big thanks to Editor Jan Parr (who mentioned Design in a Bag in her editor’s note) and the whole team at Chicago Home–subscribe today if you don’t already!
Boomgaarden Architects
1315 Central Avenue
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847)226-3230
