A Year in Review: Lake Forest and Lake Bluff in 2025
For Lake Forest and Lake Bluff residents, major construction projects marked 2025, some changes at key institutions, and the loss of several individuals who left lasting marks on the community. Below is a look back at some of the most significant developments of the year.
Infrastructure Projects Reshape Downtowns
Shortly after the start of the year, the City of Lake Forest launched a long-discussed project to renovate Deerpath Road, the main east-west corridor through downtown. The work focused on improving pedestrian safety, upgrading aging infrastructure, and enhancing the overall streetscape.
The city also undertook a similar project on Bank Lane, between Deerpath and Southgate, a narrow stretch that had long been a challenge for both vehicles and pedestrians.
The Deerpath project, which continued through October, required the closure of the roadway to vehicular traffic and making pedestrian access difficult for nearby businesses. While many residents agreed that replacing aging water mains and utilities was necessary, some business owners questioned whether the scope and duration of the project outweighed the benefits.
In response, the city offered grant funding to affected businesses. As of Dec. 23, 12 businesses had applied for assistance, according to city spokeswoman Dana Olson. The deadline for applications was Dec. 31.
In Lake Bluff, infrastructure improvements also moved forward including on a major stormwater project designed to divert excess water to Lake Michigan, which is expected to continue for years. Separately, the State of Illinois resurfaced the section of Sheridan Road that runs through the village and adjacent streets.
Community Mourns Notable Losses
Both communities said goodbye in 2025 to several individuals with deep local ties.
Those who passed away included former Lake Forest Mayor Jack Preschlack; former City Manager John Fischbach; longtime Lake Forest College President Eugene Hotchkiss; former Lake Bluff Village Clerk Babette “Babs” Rosenthal; and Lake Forest Hospital gynecologist Dr. Hugh Falls.
The year also marked the passing of Chicago Bears owner Virginia McCaskey, whose team has maintained a presence in Lake Forest for more than 50 years.
Astronaut Jim Lovell, a Lake Forest resident who once operated a popular restaurant on Waukegan Road, was also remembered, as was actor and director Robert Redford, whose 1980 film Ordinary People was largely shot in Lake Forest.
Finally, Chicago Cubs star Ryne Sandberg also passed away. He had moved to Lake Bluff in recent years to be closer to his family.
New Leadership at Lake Forest College
Following the abrupt departure of President Jill Baren late in 2024, the Lake Forest College Board of Trustees appointed Mike Sosulski as the school’s 15th president.
A West Chicago native, Sosulski previously held a series of academic leadership positions nationwide and officially began his tenure in August.
“There are a lot of things going well here very clearly, and I’m not here as a reformer,” Sosulski said in a September interview. “I’m here as someone who wants to join and enhance all the great things that are already happening.”
New Police Station Moves Forward
Plans to relocate the Lake Forest Police Department advanced in October when the City Council approved construction contracts to renovate a building in the Conway Park office complex.
The city purchased the now vacant building for $3.5 million in 2024 and then approved the $26 million contract. Officials anticipate the department will move into the 98,000 square foot facility in late 2026..
Lake Bluff Responds to Federal Immigration Activity
In December, the Lake Bluff Village Board approved a series of measures addressing concerns related to activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
While village officials emphasized that they cannot interfere with federal enforcement, the board adopted a four-part policy aimed at providing guidance to village employees and clarifying protections for residents.
Starbucks Proposal Falls Through
Plans for a Starbucks at the long-vacant southeast corner of Everett and Waukegan roads in Lake Forest were shelved in 2025.
Company officials decided not to proceed with the location as part of a broader reduction in new store development. The site’s owners, the Iosue family, are now considering other options.
“Realistically, we are looking at a variety of development opportunities,” said Jack Frigo, the family’s real estate advisor.
The property has remained without commercial use for nearly two decades.
City Committees Dissolved
The Lake Forest City Council voted this year to dissolve the city’s legal committee and its parks and recreation board.
Mayor Stanford “Randy” Tack said the committees had limited responsibilities and that the city did not want to unnecessarily burden residents serving on them.
Lake Forest Caucus Vote Revisited
Although the slate endorsed by the Lake Forest Caucus ran unopposed in municipal elections, the Caucus leadership had a setback a proposed bylaw change to allow electronic voting narrowly failed in October.
Later in the year, caucus officials announced a second vote on that issue would be held on Saturday, Jan. 24.
Progress at Lake Bluff’s Block Three
Long-stalled redevelopment in Lake Bluff’s Block Three area, just east of the downtown, moved forward in 2025.
The village approved a plan for an eight-unit condominium development by local developers Todd Altounian and Peter Witmer. After the approval, a long-vacant bank building was torn down allowing for construction to start. Occupancy is expected in late 2026, Witmer said.
Village trustees approved a separate plan by residents Jason and Courtney Trombley to build four condominiums on an adjacent Evanston Avenue property, despite some neighborhood opposition.
Lake Forest Hospital Rebranded
Lake Forest’s primary medical center received a new name in 2025 following a major donation from Chicago billionaire Ken Griffin.
The hospital is now known as Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital, named in honor of Griffin’s mother, who once lived in the community.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.