Big Ideas Showcased in the Not So Big House

More than 500 people attended the opening of Sarah Susanka’s show house.

Last November, SchoolStreet Development announced that Sarah Susanka, renowned architect and author of the Not So Big House series, would design a showhouse for its 26-home project in Libertyville. On Saturday, the home opened to the public, drawing 515 attendees. “When I lived in the city, I lived in a little coach house, and I received her book as a gift,” said opening guest Ellen Coury of Libertyville. “I have been reading about her in the paper since the project started, and I was so excited to see the culmination of all of her ideas.” Coury, like many others, was eager to see Susanka’s concepts come to life in the 2,450-square-foot home on one of the development’s long, narrow lots. “I know people get some of it from the books,” …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (12)

Family Shares Glimpse of Their SchoolStreet Home

The Nepomuceno family takes us on a tour of their new home.

Construction on the SchoolStreet development is nearing completion and the first families of the new neighborhood have moved into their new homes. Although most of us seen the houses from the outside, only a few of us have gotten an inside glimpse.  Joe and Stephanie Nepomuceno were kind enough to share their experiences, and give us a tour of thier new home. More related articles:

•  1 Comment
• Videos (1)

Video: Tour of the Not So Big Showhouse

Sarah Susanka offers a tour of how her ideas are incorporated into the Libertyville house.

More related articles:

• Videos (1)

Final Tour of Central School Before Condo Conversion

Alumni of Central School will have the chance to tour the halls before the property is converted into condominiums.

Built in 1939, Central School is fondly remembered by generations of Libertyville residents. The school will be remodeled into loft-style condominiums this summer as part of the School Street development.  The fond farewell will include a reunion held at Mickey Finns on June 18 from 1-4 p.m. The reunion is open to all alumni and will feature tours of the building.  When the building was built, the school board sealed a time capsule in the south east corner of the building. If construction crews can find the exact location, the time capsule will be opened as a grand finale. For more information, or to connect with lost friends, go to the reunions Facebook page, or email CentralSchoolReunion@hotmail.com

• Videos (1)

Sneak Peak at School Street

Patch gets an inside look at the School Street Development.

Construction of the School Street project is in full swing! The 26 homes will include a show home designed by Sarah Susanka, writer of The Not So Big House. The homes are going fast—20 of the single family dwellings have already been sold. Developer John McLinden credits this to the many offerings of the development. School Street sits within walking distance of the train station, as well as Libertyville Main Street. The project will also include a renovation of the historic Central Street School. "We want to keep the history of the school," said McLinden. The exterior will primarily look the same, except with new windows, and some dormers, but the interior of the old school will be converted into 15 condominiums with units ranging from …

• Videos (1)

Patch Profile

Home as Comfort Food

Libertyville resident works with author to design homes that are a throwback to days gone by.

A drawing of the plans for the School Street homes looks like a row of arts and crafts bungalows built in an era decades ago, when houses were smaller, neighbors spoke daily, and residents walked to school, the corner store, and into town.  John McLinden, the School Street developer, had this concept in mind, and now together with Sarah Susanka, renowned architect and author of the Not So Big House, they will turn this idea into reality. "These houses look like home," Susanka said. "Everyone has their archetypal home.  They want a house that has a face. So many new suburban homes don't have a grace or charm that comes from good design." In 1998, Susanka wrote the Not So Big House after hearing clients, time and again, complain that their …

•  2 Comments
• Photos (4)

Nancy McLinden

10:25 am on Monday, May 23, 2011

Hello Martha, I am wondering if you are still interested in SchoolStreet in Libertyville? We have released another phase of the project, urban loft style condominiums. These units start at $175,000. Please visit our website at www.schoolstreetlibertyville.com. I would love to give you a tour. Thank you, Nancy   more ›