A second sign has surfaced, neighbors say, indicating that a major redevelopment on Bonnie Brae in River Forest may be close to reality.
First, several residents observed surveyors working on their street this past spring. Then recently a letter from Jacobs Homes, headquartered in Deerfield, was delivered to a number of residences on the 1100 and 1000 blocks of Bonnie Brae. Jacobs has built unique, high-end homes on the north shore for 70 years.
“We are seeking the opinions of current River Forest and Oak Park residents as we explore the possibility of bringing a distinctive new development to your area,” the Jacobs letter reads.
However, one source said people who had previously turned down purchase offers for their houses did not receive the letter. The reverse side of the letter features a questionnaire with six questions and numerous answers from which to choose.
The first question reads, “Would you consider moving from your current home to a maintanance-free, luxury condominium if you could stay in the neighborhood you’ve lived in for years?”
Other questions explore preferences for square footage, list possible amenities, and ask about floor plan and layout preferences. The sixth and final question asks the recipient what they’d be willing to spend on a 2- to 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 2-3,000 square-foot home that “include[s] outstanding building and residence amenities?” and gives a range of $500,000 to $1.2 million.
CONTACT: bdwyer@wjinc.com