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Community First is pleased to introduce a new Home Design Recognition Award program. Click here for the details.
The Naperville Home - Architecture of Yesterday and Today
A Free Workshop For Residents, Architects, Builders, Developers & Students -
May 11, 2006 @ 7PM: Century Memorial Chapel at Naper Settlement.
For more details, please download a copy of our Workshop Poster. (Adobe Acrobat required. If you need this free plug-in, simply click on the box below.)
Presented by: NCTV & Naperville Heritage Society
Designing For Harmony in Naperville's Old Neighborhood
December, 2004
In December 2004, the City of Naperville and Community First co-hosted the first public presentation of the 'Closer Look' 3-D Interactive Workshop (now renamed Workshop for Successful Redevelopment).
This workshop, presented by Community First members Bob Lee and Lisa Tuttle, was given to an enthusiastic audience at the Naperville Municipal Center.
More than fifty builders, architects, realtors, bankers and citizens, attended.
Participants were presented with a hypothetical neighborhood featuring mature trees and diverse styles of existing homes.
The challenge was to design a home which meets the demands of the present day, high end, infill, home buying public while simultaneously remaining architecturally respectful to an established neighborhood.
The exchange of ideas was then incorporated into a real computer drawn 3D virtual design complete with building materials, landscaping and windows. The structures nestled between existing homes and around the actual trees that are there today. It was compelling proof that the
designer/ builder/ owner can get the size and amenities they seek in a home while also being a good neighbor.
Participants left with tools and ideas to better communicate the importance of neighborhood-friendly design to customers and residents.
Computer Image #1 (Click To Enlarge)
Computer Image #2 (Click To Enlarge)
Community First plans to schedule periodic workshops in the near future. Workshop dates and details will be posted at the website "Events" tab and given on our phone message line (630-375-7231).
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Naperville residents had the opportunity to recognize redeveloped homes they felt best complimented the character of existing neighborhoods. Voting took place in two categories: new construction and remodeling projects. Since there was a large number of homes nominated last year, a jury selected 7 finalists in each
category before voting began.
To learn more about this event and view the winners, click here.
OTHER EVENTS
June 5, 2004
Tom Cowan, speaker, League of Women Voters, Downers Grove, IL
May 20, 2004
“Empowering Local Citizens to Plan Towns of the Future,”
Keynote address by Tom Cowan to the annual Conference of the Illinois Planning Association, State Park Conference Center, Starved Rock, IL
April 29, 2004
Tom Cowan and Lisa Tuttle, Community First 101: Power Point Presentation
Saybrook Homeowner’s Association, Naperville, IL
April 21, 2004
Gerry Cassioppi, Teardowns and Land Planning Seminar
DuPage County Bar Association, Wheaton, IL
April 1st, 2004
DuPage Bar Association, Spring Seminar
Gerry Cassioppi will present to members on the topic of local government.
March 18th, 2004
Riverhaven Homeowner's Association
February 5th, 2004
Those interested in submitting their projects for the "Community Choice" awards and the public are invited to attend a presentation February 5th 7pm at Naperville City Council Chambers to learn more about the Awards Program and other Community First educational programs and materials. A question/answer session regarding submitting applications for the 2004 Community Choice Design Awards will follow the brief presentation. Please call 630-375-7231 for details after January 5, 2003.
January 27th, 2004
Tuesday, 7pm - 9pm
Elmhurst Public Library/ Large Meeting Room
Elmhurst Historical Society Presents:
Harmony In The 'Hood: Preservation of Community Character
Please join us for a free seminar to discuss how preservation and new construction can work together successfully. Featured panelists include:
Tom Cowan - President and Co-founder of Community First
Jean Follett - Moderator and Historic Preservation Consultant.
Bob Kiely - Village Manager of Lake Forest
Jim Peters - Director of Planning - Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois.
For more information please call: 630-941-9310.
December 17th, Wednesday 8:30am until 10:00am
Presentation to Naperville City Staff (Planners, Plan Reviewers and Inspectors)
Place: City Hall Meeting Room, City of Naperville
Allison Laff coordinated this meeting to inform and educate the planners and other staff. Tom Cowan gave a short Power Point presentation and also showed a portion of the Interactive 3D presentation that he, Hal Dickson and Bob Lee have created.
December 17th, Wednesday 7pm
Neighborhood Presentation (20-30 residents attended)
Place: Fire Station at Diehl and Washington St. Gerry Cassioppi, Patty King and Tom Cowan gave a Power Point presentation and answered questions.
October 29, 2003
The Northwest Municipal Conference, Depaul's Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development and the Chicago Metro Section American Planning Association Presents: "Issues and Impacts of Residential Teardowns". Tom Cowan presented his ideas on "Community Character Issues".
October 18, 2003
The Naperville Home Owner's Confederation and the Naperville City Council held a joint meeting to discuss local issues. Community First was invited to present their current Power Point Presentation and took questions after the presentation.
August 18, 2003
Village of Riverside invited Community First to present their Workbook and to discuss local redevelopment. Tom Cowan and Allison Laff, a City of Naperville Planner presented how Naperville is dealing with the issue.
July 9, 2003
NCTV Tom, Gerry, Stacey and Veronica interviewed by Kandiss Hernandez for her local show "Focus On Naperville". This show will be replayed periodically. For showtimes, check local listings.
June 2, 2003
Presentation to the Kiwanis Club at Edward Hospital.
May 15, 2003
CFI VP, Tom Cowan and City of Naperville City Planner, Allison Laff will present the Workbook at the Association of Assistant City Planners at the Hinsdale Village Hall.
March 26, 2003
CFI President Gerry Cassiopi presented The CFI Workbook for Successful Redevelopment at the Chicago Bar Association's Real Estate Law Committee.
PREVIOUS EVENTS
February 2002
We received almost 400 ballots in our 1st "Community Choice" Design Awards Contest, and the recipients of the 2002 Awards were recognized by Mary Ellingson at the February 4th Naperville City Council Meeting. Award recipients included the home owners, the architects and the builders.
Photo links are available by clicking on the addresses and are courtesy of Marian Kraus Photography.
In the category of New Construction:
208 W. Benton
514 W. Benton
320 W. Spring
In the category of Remodeling:
522 N. Center Street
5 S. Mill Street
1216 Heatherton Drive |
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November - December 2002
Announcing our 1st Annual "Community Choice" Awards Program. Naperville residents will have the opportunity to recognize redeveloped homes they feel best compliment the character of the neighborhood. To get a true feel for how a project fits in with it’s surroundings we highly encourage you to print a map and take the driving/walking tour of the nominees. Make note of the new homes and remodels, including those with rear remodels and get a feel for the character of the neighborhood.
Although, we realize none of these projects have had the benefit of using our Workbook for Successful Redevelopment, we hope the following information will be helpful in guiding your selection. The Community First approach is to evaluate the neighborhood, the block, the adjacent homes and finally the site prior to designing the project. Our intention is not to replicate the surrounding homes but rather to consider carefully the existing homes based on overall scale and proportion, architectural style and details, garage and driveway placement, and landscaping. We believe the incorporation of this knowledge into the project’s design will result in a complimentary home to the existing neighborhood.
We hope you enjoy your tour of the nominees, as you decide which homes are most neighborhood friendly. We believe the Awards Program provides a vehicle for you and your neighbors in Naperville to participate in a positive way to encourage compatible new construction and remodeling projects in our established neighborhoods. We look forward to receiving your ballots. And most of all thank you for your participation.
Voting will take place in two categories: new construction and remodeling projects. Voting will begin November 6th and run through December 18, 2002.
Click here to view photos of the 2002 "Community Choice" Design Awards nominees.
Click here to view and download a touring map for the 2002 Community Choice Awards.
Click here to download a copy of the 2002 Community Choice Award Ballot.
Both the touring map and ballot require Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can download the latest version by clicking here: 
December 2002
Community First will be honored by the American Society of Landscape Architects on Thursday, December 5, 2002 at an awards dinner at the Sofitel, Water Tower. Community First has received the ASLA "Community Service Award" for its efforts in creating our Workbook and for pursuing our mission of "communication, cooperation and education" within the city of Naperville and among our neighboring communities.
For more information, visit www.il-asla.org.
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November 2002
Illinois Institute of Architects, Annual meeting, Chicago, IL, November 8-9. Saturday, November 9th at 10:30.: "Fostering Partnerships in Your Community," presented by Community First. This session deals with the issue of teardown in our communities. It will also offer suggestions for builders, contractors, and architects about working with citizens to achieve mutually beneficial results during the revitalization process. At 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, the AIA Illinois will hold its Honor Awards Luncheon. Community First has been awarded the Citation of Honor for our Workbook and efforts. For more information, visit www.aiail.org.
October 2002
Resident meeting of the East Highlands subdivision, October 22nd, 7:30 p.m. Smith Hall, 2nd Floor of the Old Main Building at North Central College, Naperville, IL. Presentation followed by a Q&A session; workbooks will be available for purchase.
October 2002
"Guidelines for Successful Redevelopment," Real Estate Committee, DuPage County Bar Association.
September 2002
"Teardown Issues" Workshop, Panelist at Landmark Preservation, Illinois Chapter, Annual Conference, Chicago, IL, September 14th.
August 2002
Launched expanded website: www.commmunityfirstinc.org.
Featured table display at Chicago Metro Section of the American Planning Association annual dinner.
July 2002
Presentation at Naperville Municipal Center to Illinois Chapter of the American Planning Association.
Attended meeting of the REDCOOP citizen's group in Oak Park, IL.
June 2002
Awarded "Best Community Initiative" at the annual conference of the Illinois Chapter of the American Planning Association. For a complete press release, visit the In The News page.
Presentation of "Community First 101" program to local building professionals and residents, Edward Hospital Auditorium, Naperville, IL, Saturday June 8th.
Featuring the group's copyrighted visual guide, a "Workbook for Successful Redevelopment," participants will explore Community First's process of considering the neighborhood, the block, the adjacent homes and the site itself prior to beginning the design process. Participants received a certificate of completion following the meeting and will be listed on Community First's website, www.communityfirstinc.org. For a complete Press release, visit the In The News page.
May 2002
Presentation to and discussion with Northeast Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
Presentation to citizen's group in Geneva, IL.
April 2002
Roundtable discussion with principals of the Chicago, Northeastern and Illinois Chapters of the American Institute of Architects (at VOA, Chicago, IL).
Attended American Planning Association National Conference, Chicago, IL.
February 2002
Presentations to Remax of Naperville, Sunrise Rotary, Coldwell Banker- South realtors group, Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce - Legislative Committee, Guest speaker on "848" Radio Broadcast, WBEZ - National Public Radio, Chicago.
January 2002
Presentations to TRIAD - senior citizens group, Northern Illinois Home Builder Association - Executive Committee, Naperville Development Partnership, Westside Homeowners Association (WHOA), Coldwell Banker - North realtors group, Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation Tradeshow.
December 2001
Presentation to East Highlands subdivision - neighborhood coffee.
November 2001
Presentations to Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation, P.E.O. - women's education organization, Eastside Homeowners Association (ECHO), East Highlands neighborhood gathering.
Program featuring our workbook airs locally on NCTV, Channel 17.
October 2001
Presentation to Naperville Women's Club, Naperville Noon Rotary Club.
September 2001
Information meetings with local building professionals and with citizens of Naperville.
Workshop with Naperville City Council.
Spring 2001
Focus group with Naperville Area residents and building professionals.
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