Redfields: A New Flavor of Infill

Following an ill-fated foreclosure in 2009, a residential project in Libertyville, IL finally finds its way while demonstrating the potential for an emerging field of redevelopment, reports Ann Dillemuth.

2 minute read

March 2, 2012, 9:00 AM PST

By Ryan Lue


The community of SchoolStreet, a four-acre residential project in the Village of Libertyville, Illinois, may be paving the way for a new model of infill development. Dubbed redfields, large plots of foreclosed homes ("in the red") offer a cost-effective and community-friendly solution for neighborhoods devastated by the housing market crash.

Identified for an adaptive reuse development nearly forty years ago, the original project gained momentum in 2007 when developers began construction on 31 luxury brownstones around the long-vacant Libertyville Central School building. When the bank foreclosed on the properties in 2009, the project's future looked grim.

"John Spoden, AICP, Libertyville's community development director, braced himself for proposals to tear the historic building down and increase the height and density of new construction – conventional responses to making development work in tough markets and on infill sites," writes Dillemuth.

But the development potential piqued the interest of John McLinden, a developer who had already had success with residential infill projects in nearby Chicago. Working closely with the community development department, the mayor, and the community, McLinden forged a plan for a new urbanist community that has drawn thousands of visitors and considerable media attention.

By taking advantage of a foreclosed property, McLinden was able to offer units at 56% of the asking price of the brownstones planned in 2007.

SchoolStreet was the subject of a recent Tuesdays at APA podcast.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012 in APA - Sustaining Places Blog

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Worker in yellow safety vest and hard hat looks up at servers in data center.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power

Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

July 18 - Inside Climate News

Former MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood standing in front of MARTA HQ with blurred MARTA sign visible in background.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns

MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

July 18 - WABE

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant

A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.

July 17 - San José Spotlight