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.
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.
FULL STORY: Redeveloping "Redfields": New Life for Foreclosed Properties

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie