From The Ravinia Neighbors Association
Who was John VanBergen? The Highland Park Historical Society answers that question this month in their October celebration of this little known architect of the Prairie school. As it turns out, John VanBergen was a prolific architect in Ravinia and the surrounding Highland Park area, designing various smaller homes and schools such as Ravinia (addition) and Braeside. Those interested in "taking the tour" should visit the HPHS website at hphistory.net The following brief glimpse of the local architect was written by Jean Sogin, Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission and Board member of the HP Historical Society. Read More
Living In Ravinia - a lifestyle blog
Do you have a story to tell about life here in Ravinia? RNA’s “Living in Ravinia” blog may be just the place to share it. Many who live here appreciate Lake Michigan, the bluffs and ravines, the music festival, the shops and restaurants, the farmers market, the North Line train and the Green Bay Trail. They add to the experience of life in Ravinia and, for some, are what first drew us to this place. Of course, there is more – histories, neighbors, schoolmates and friends which make life here special for each of us. Many residents have stayed for years, decades and even lifetimes. What do you treasure most in this place? How has it changed, or changed you? Stories are best when told. We hope you’ll share your unique view of “Living in Ravinia”. To submit a feature story of any length, email us at editor@ravinianeighbors.org. Should you have a shorter, off the cuff thought on the topic, take a look at our “Living in Ravinia” forum discussion.
VanBergen Celebrated!
Open House to be Held for Ravinia Business District Streetscape Design
From The Ravinia Neighbors Association
For years, the RNA has been working with the city to improve the Ravinia business district, establishing the Tax Increment Financing (TIF), securing marketing studies and planning for upgraded streetscapes and necessary infrastructure improvements. The city has now assembled the professional services of Hitchcock Design Group, Nicholas Associates and Strand Associates to create a streetscape design and branding study. Read More
A New Look for an Old House
By Lynne Jungman
The Highland Park Historical Preservation Commission selected the house at 501 Burton Avenue for its prestigious award, " best restoration" of an existing home in 2011. Many Ravinia neighbors had watched its transformation from drab to delightful. It presents now an inviting, picture-postcard loveliness. Read More
This Pocket
By Amy Lohmolder
As a person who moved too often as a child, I’ve tended to romanticize small towns where one’s neighbors are well known. In my mind, they are the settings of Norman Rockwell paintings, places where children like Opie in the “The Andy Griffith Show” grow up happy and well adjusted and where quiet heroes like George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life are made. You can tell me your discouraging stories of real-life small towns from which you come (and college friends from across Iowa did). I will acknowledge it all and agree that sometimes people certainly can fall short. Still, I am lured back by artists of the Rockwell ilk, compassionate humorists who see the best in us. And I hold to the notion that the best in us grows in smaller communities where people know and care about one another. Read More
Recent Posts
- RAVINIA NEIGHBORS ASSOCIATION Presents: An Opportunity to thank Highland Park City Public Works Personnel for their efforts everyday but especially during mid-February of 2021 24-Feb-2021
- RNA Presents: Winter 2021 Newsletter, My Ravinia 18-Jan-2021
- OUTDOORS THIS FALL IN THE RAVINIA DISTRICT 02-Oct-2020
- Highland Park family of Ravinia's own Jeff Levin receives posthumous medals honoring service of late World War II veteran 20-Jul-2020
- RNA Presents: Summer 2020 Newsletter, My Ravinia 14-Jul-2020