Margaret Goss, Winnetka Realtor Winnetka & North Shore IL Homes for Sale

There is some definite buzzin the market these past few weeks - it is the Spring market after all and the weather has been mostly cooperative.

Today as I toured broker open houses I had two thoughts: some sellers are pricing to sell and others are still overpricing. I saw two homes today located on the same block - the larger and better one was priced almost $100,000 less than the other one . . . I guess that says it all.

Computer and Electronics Disposal in Winnetka - Update

You don't have to travel far out of Winnetka to dispose of old computers and other electronics - read my post from last year: Computer and Electronics Disposal in Winnetka.

But now there's an update to be aware of if you have continued to throw out certain items in your regular trash. The State of Illinois previously had enacted legislation that banned televisions and computer monitors from being put into Illinois landfills.

Recently, Governor Quinn and the Illinois legislature expanded the list to include:

The deadline is near if you are planning to nominate a home for Winnetka's annual Preservation Awards. Each year, Winnetka honors construction projects that are done in keeping with the history and character of the village. Their are three categories: Restoration, Rehabilitation, and New Construction.

Rehabilitation
The project restores the property to its original appearance using original plans and required research. The project may be a full-scale or partial restoration. An example of a partial restoration would include the replacement of an asphalt shingle roof with original roof material, or the restoration of a porch to its original condition

Restoration
The project is sympathetic to the building's original design. Original plans and research materials are not available, but the project upholds the spirit of the building's style, use of materials and finish. Room additions or garages represent examples of rehabilitation.

New Construction
Emphasizes the project's compatibility with its neighborhood. In this respect, issues regarding style, massing, scale, color, trees and context to adjacent properties feature in consideration.

To obtain an application and read the rules, pleae click Village of Winnetka Preservation Award Application . You may also call Ann Klaassen at 847-716-3525

Previous Winners

Kenilworth may have a small boundary and population but it offers two nursery schools, both affiliated with churches that are located across the street from each other. Joseph Sears School also offers a junior kindergarten for four-year olds.

While I lived in Kenilworth for 18 years, my children attended a preschool in Winnetka because neither of these had been established when my children were young. They are open to both church members and non-members alike.

All Things Bright and Beautiful - affiliated with Holy Comforter Episcopal Church
222 Kenilworth Ave., Kenilworth, IL
847-251-6120

Through the use of music and stories, ATBB offers a play based program with a Christian dimension. There are classes for infants through junior kindergarten. Programs are designed to provide for the spiritual, intellectual and emotional development of each individual child.

A Joyful Noise - affiliated with Kenilworth Union Church
211 Kenilworth Ave., Kenilworth, IL
847-853-2100

Prepares children for kindergarten and nurtures development of friendship skills, emotional regulation, and problem solving skills. The program is Christian based and draws families from all over the North Shore.

Joseph Sears School
542 Abbotsford Road
Kenilworth, IL
847-256-5006

Joseph Sears Schools offers a junior kindergarten program for four-year olds. This is a convenient option for parents who have older children already attending the school. The program is open to students outside of the school district.

Related Posts:

Winnetka Nursery Schools

Nothing has happened yet on that stretch of Elm Street in Winnetka just east of the train station. Conney's Pharmacy, Phototronics, Love's Yogurt and a host of smaller stores are still there. What was once grandly designed as 31 luxury condominiums and storefronts has lost steam - blame it on the recession.

The developers have come up with a new plan - they are considering 39 rental apartments on the three floors that would be located above the retail section. The original high-end condos were to average 2500 square feet - the rentals come in at around 675-1300 square feet.

Good or so-so idea? Affordable housing has been a hot topic in town during the past several years. The Winnetka Village Council decided not to pursue affordable housing because of strong public sentiment that it was not right for Winnetka. Those in favor felt there was not enough housing for local workers, policeman, fireman, and teachers. Rentals would ease some of animosity and stress over the affordable housing debate.

Whether we need this many rental units in Winnetka is not clear, and the project would take several years to complete. The developer was given a preliminary approval to submit new plans that most likely will have to be approved by several levels of committees.

I think this may be a good idea - some tweaking will surely be necessary. I am looking forward to see what they have planned.