Across the United States, communities are struggling with the redevelopment of their established neighborhoods. Community First was formed as a grass roots initiative made up of a diverse group of citizens from Naperville, Illinois to establish a process for addressing this important and emotional issue. The result of our efforts is this Workbook.

The "Workbook for Successful Redevelopment" is intended to be an education tool that provides ideas and resources for new homes and remodels in established neighborhoods. It offers respectful considerations for blending projects with the defined characteristics of the neighborhood, the block, the adjacent homes and the site while also allowing the individual homeowners the maximum flexibility to build, expand, or remodel to meet their own needs and objectives. It is intended that the use of these ideas and resources will result in the valuable elements of predictability and mutual respect to both you and the existing neighborhood. The intention is not to mimic existing homes, but to allow for diversity through a balanced and thoughtful approach.

The "Workbook for Successful Redevelopment" is presented in a Two Step Format:

Step 1 asks a series of questions about the neighborhood, the block, the adjacent homes, and the site to help identify the challenges that may arise when building or remodeling a home in an established neighborhood.

Step 2 presents ideas and resources to assist in addressing those challenges found in Step 1.

The "Workbook for Successful Redevelopment" is provided for the use of residents, builders, contractors, architects, designers, realtors, home owner associations, and local government. It is important that everyone consult the Workbook for ideas and advice prior to beginning the design process. There must be a strong partnership between all parties to maximize the successful use of this Workbook.