Z-Hinsdale Magazine
Repurposing Zion Lutheran School
Adaptive reuse will allow the historic space to be retrofitted for housing By Maureen Callahan Adaptive reuse is defined as the conversion of an existing building for a purpose other than it was originally built or designed. Look around, and you’ll see it in our local municipalities. Homes are now dental offices or architectural firms;…
Read MoreThome Feels White Sox Draft
Landon Thome drafted in first round by Sox, making Hall of Famer father proud By Jeff Vorva On June 5, 1989, a small gathering of family members in Peoria celebrated when Jim Thome was drafted in the 13th round of the Major League Baseball Draft by Cleveland. On July 11, 2026, a much bigger gathering…
Read MoreAt the Forefront of AI, Rooted in Elmhurst
Professor, entrepreneur, and local dad Birju Shah on technology, teaching, and life in Elmhurst By Julia Mazurek | Photos courtesy of Northwestern University Birju Shah calls Tuesdays his “AI day.” With a few monitors and a list of priorities, Shah uses artificial intelligence tools to tackle everything from business strategy to lecture content to vacation…
Read MoreUnited in Song, Connected in Community
LIFT is Building Community Through Music, Learning, and Connection By Julia Mazurek / Photos courtesy of Ingrid Bonne Photography A conversation about community evolved into something much bigger for Elmhurst residents Bill and Jenny Riddle. Last fall, the couple wondered: How could they bring people together in a meaningful way while also introducing their vision…
Read MoreThe Influence Economy
How social media, creators, and Gen Z behavior are reshaping suburban retail By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff Not long ago, suburban shopping centers largely followed a familiar retail formula: national brands, department store anchors, and established dining concepts designed to appeal to broad consumer audiences. Today, however, the brands and restaurants gaining momentum with younger…
Read MoreHealing on a Higher Note
How ECPA and Freedom Sings turned trauma into art By Laura Michaud and Melissa G. Wilson The Encore Center for Performing Arts (ECPA) is no stranger to bringing powerhouse talent to DuPage County. From Hamilton’s Miguel Cervantes to rock icon Cathy Richardson, they know how to draw a crowd. But their recent collaboration with Nashville’s…
Read MoreFrom Gift to Legacy
The Power of Endowment By Dave McGowan An endowment is a pool of invested assets intended to generate income to support a not-for-profit organization in perpetuity. It’s an important strategy in diversifying the overall mix of not-for-profit revenue. That said, only nearly 11% of not-for-profits have endowments. Endowments allow not-for-profit organizations to plan for the…
Read MoreFirst Audience
How music begins at home and grows into a lifelong passion BY LAURA MICHAUD AND MELISSA G. WILSON The Living Room Debut Before there are stages, spotlights, or packed auditoriums, there is almost always a living room. Or a kitchen. Or the back seat of a car. For many performers, the first audience is family—people…
Read MoreWoodland Windows and Doors
Woodland Windows & Doors has spent more than half a century transforming homes across the greater Chicago area with quality, craftsmanship, and trust earned one project at a time. Founded in 1969 by John and Ann Mariotti, the company began in a small storefront and has grown into a respected full-service provider of replacement windows,…
Read MoreStudio41
For homeowners planning a kitchen or bath renovation, the difference between a stressful process and a rewarding one often comes down to guidance. Studio41 has built its reputation around helping clients navigate complex design decisions with clarity, confidence, and an emphasis on long-term livability. With a long-standing presence in the Chicago area, Studio41 serves as…
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