Year in Review: Lake Forest and Lake Bluff in 2025
For residents of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, major construction projects marked 2025, some changes to key institutions and the loss of several people who left an indelible mark on the community. Below we look at some of the most significant events of the year.
Infrastructure projects are transforming city centers
Shortly after the start of the year, the City of Lake Forest launched a long-discussed project to redevelop Deerpath Road, the main east-west corridor through the city's downtown. The work focused on improving pedestrian safety, upgrading aging infrastructure, and improving the overall streetscape.
The city has also undertaken a similar project on Bank Lane, between Deerpath and Southgate, a narrow section that has long been a problem for both vehicles and pedestrians.
The Deerpath project, which continued until October, required closing the roadway to vehicular traffic and impeding pedestrian access for nearby businesses. Although many residents agreed with the need to replace outdated water pipes and utilities, some business owners asked a question whether the size and duration of the project outweigh the benefits.
In response, the city offered grant funding to affected businesses. As of Dec. 23, 12 businesses had requested assistance, according to city spokeswoman Dana Olson. The application deadline was December 31st.
Infrastructure improvements were also moving forward in Lake Bluff, including a major stormwater project designed to drain excess water into Lake Michigan that is expected to continue for years. Separately, the state of Illinois repaved a section of Sheridan Road that runs through the village and adjacent streets.
Community mourns significant losses
Both communities said goodbye in 2025 to several people with deep local ties.
Among the dead were former Lake Forest Mayor Jack Preschlak; former city manager John Fischbach; longtime Lake Forest College President Eugene Hotchkiss; former Village Clerk of Lake Bluff Babette “Babs” Rosenthal; and gynecologist at Lake Forest Hospital Dr. Hugh Falls.
This year also marked the demise Chicago Bears owner Virginia McCaskeywhose team has been present in Lake Forest for over 50 years.
Astronaut Jim Lovella Lake Forest resident who once ran a popular restaurant on Waukegan Road is also remembered, as is actor and director Robert Redford, whose 1980 film “Ordinary People” was largely filmed in Lake Forest.
Finally, Chicago Cubs star Ryne Sandberg also died. In recent years, he moved to Lake Bluff to be closer to his family.
New Leadership at Lake Forest College
Following the abrupt departure of President Jill Baren at the end of 2024, the Lake Forest College Board of Trustees named Mike Sosulski as the school's 15th president.
A West Chicago native, Sosulski has previously held a number of academic leadership positions across the country and officially began his position in August.
“Obviously, many things are going well here, and I’m not here as a reformer,” Sosulsky said in a statement. September interview. “I’m here as someone who wants to join in and improve all the great things that are already happening.”
New police station moves forward
Plans to move the Lake Forest Police Department advanced in October when the City Council approved construction contracts for the reconstruction of the Conway Park office complex building.
The city purchased the now-vacant building for $3.5 million in 2024 and then approved a $26 million contract. Officials expect the department to move into the 98,000-square-foot building by the end of 2026.
Lake Bluff responds to federal immigration activity
In December, the Lake Bluff Village Council approved a number of measures solving problems related to the activities of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Although village officials have emphasized that they cannot interfere with federal law enforcement, the council adopted a four-part policy aimed at providing guidance to village employees and clarifying protections for residents.
Starbucks proposal fails
Plans to open a Starbucks at the long-vacant southeast corner of Everett and Waukegan streets in Lake Forest. have been postponed to 2025.
Company officials decided not to continue building new stores as part of a broader reduction in new store construction. The site's owners, the Iosue family, are now considering other options.
“We're actually looking at different development opportunities,” said Jack Frigo, a family-owned real estate consultant.
The site remained without commercial use for nearly two decades.
City committees dissolved
The Lake Forest City Council voted to dissolve the city this year. legal committee and its parks and rest board.
Stanford Mayor “Randy” Thack said the committees have limited responsibilities and that the city doesn't want to unnecessarily burden the residents who work on them.
Voting resumes at Lake Forest meeting
Although the list endorsed by the Lake Forest caucus ran unopposed in the municipal election, the caucus' leadership suffered a setback over a proposed charter change to allow electronic voting. almost failed in October.
Later that year, representatives of the faction announced that a second vote on this issue would take place on Saturday, January 24.
Progress on Lake Bluff Unit Three
The long-stalled redevelopment of the third Lake Bluff unit, east of downtown, continued into 2025.
The village has approved plans for an eight-unit condominium development by local developers Todd Altounian and Peter Whitmer. Following approval, the long-vacant bank building was demolished, allowing construction to begin. Occupancy is expected in late 2026, Whitmer said.
Village trustees approved a separate plan by residents Jason and Courtney Trombley to build four condominiums on neighboring property on Evanston Avenuedespite some opposition from neighbors.
Lake Forest Hospital renamed
Lake Forest Primary Health Center received a new name in 2025 after a major donation from Chicago billionaire Ken Griffin.
The hospital is now known as Northwestern Medicine Katherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital, named after Griffin's mother, who once lived in the area.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for the Pioneer Press.
