HEIRLOOMS

In our community, history isn’t just preserved; it’s lived in.

To mark Forest & Bluff’s 25th anniversary and the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation’s 50th, we celebrate some of the places that give our community its character, along with the generations of stewardship that have kept them intact. From Market Square and Elawa Farm to the historic train station and our storied shoreline, these are landmarks that define the lifestyle we hold dear. Photographed against the backdrop of these treasured places, the feature considers what’s worth keeping—in a closet, and in a community.

Market Square Fountain
When Howard Van Doren Shaw’s Market Square was unveiled in 1916, it made history as the first shopping center planned around the automobile. This eight-sided fountain was added to the complex in 1917 (and then enhanced with a sculpture by the Shaw’s daughter, Sylvia Shaw Judson, in 1969).

78 L1030576 — Tulle dress by Ulla Johnson, Lillie Alexander Boutique

78 L1030538 — Tulle dress by Ulla Johnson, Lillie Alexander Boutique

Bank Lane
While Bank Lane didn’t get its o!cial name until the First National Bank of Lake Forest opened at Market Square around 1916, its history as a service alley dates to back to the 19th century. It has since been reimagined as vibrant pedestrian corridor.

78 L1030744 — Top and skirt by Hunter Bell, sunglasses by Gucci, Lillie Alexander Boutique

Amidei Mercatino
Since the late 1980s, Amidei Mercatino has been bringing a taste of Europe to Market Square with its charming open-air market and produce stand. Open from April through the end of October, the family-owned business has become a local treasure.

78 L1030329 — Dress by Thom Browne, Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue Cinq a Sept pant, Neiman Marcus Northbook Smooth Sailing Shoreline Collection glasses by Peepers.

78 L1030378 — Dress by Thom Browne, Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue Cinq a Sept pant, Neiman Marcus Northbook Smooth Sailing Shoreline Collection glasses by Peepers.

Lake Forest East Train Station
Built in 1900 by Frost and Granger as a station and warming house for the Chicago & North Western Railway, this Tudor-style, east Lake Forest landmark has been carefully restored over the last century.

78 L1030646 — Scarf by Sea NY, Allude sweater, and skirt by The Garment, Lillie Alexander Boutique

78 L1030859 — Scarf by Sea NY, Allude sweater, and skirt by The Garment, Lillie Alexander Boutique

Elawa Farm
Watson and Elsa Armour (of the Armour & Company meat-packing family) hired architect Alfed Hopkins to build what is today known as Elawa Farm. With help from renowned architect David Adler, the farm and its buildings were completed in 1917.

78 (use Or Dont Use?) L1030876 — Silk skirt, blouse and cropped blazer by Tom Ford, Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. Boots by Gucci.

On The Shore
One of the things that defines life in Lake Forest and Lake Blu! is our access to Lake Michigan via two historic beaches—Forest Park Beach and Sunset Park & Beach, both which date to the 19th century.