The Stonebridge Project Team
About New England Builders, Inc., and The Office of Shawn Hunt
Restoring “Stonebridge” to its original splendor are two companies with a history of sensitive restorations, redevelopments and innovative new construction to meet the needs of today’s communities.
New England Builders’ unique vision of community and commitment to quality has created neighborhoods that enhance value and enrich lifestyles since 1989. Beginning with custom homes on the North Shore, New England Builders then led the work in revitalizing the historic Near West and South Side Chicago neighborhoods of West Haven, South Haven, Keia Village, Village West, and Hutchinson’s Row.
Building on the financial and civic success of these ventures, NEB partnered with the City of Kenosha to lead the rebirth of that city’s Lake Michigan waterfront. Harbor Park is now of the nation’s most successful examples of reusing former industrial sites.
Additional success stories include:
- Depot Square, an in-town redevelopment on a former “brownfield” site in Glenview.
- Bartlett Town Center, a transit-oriented neighborhood that combines urban living with suburban convenience.
- Acadia on the Green, a mixed-use redevelopment project in the heart of Downers Grove.
With a tradition of thoughtful planning and design, New England Builders will create sympathetic new construction and adaptations that are sensitive to the quality values of Stonebridge’s original founders.
Developer Shawn Hunt brings more than 30 years of specialized experience to Stonebridge of Lake Bluff - and a proven track record on working with the complex challenges of historic properties. Hunt is the founding principal of The Office of Shawn Hunt, a real estate development and consulting firm specializing in commercial, retail and residential development.
Among many key roles during his career, Hunt served as the project executive for The Goodman Theatre’s new $50 million performance center, and the $100 million acquisition and renovation/restoration of the Civic Opera House for Lyric Opera of Chicago. He was the senior project advisor for The Glen, the successful and acclaimed redevelopment of the former 1,100-acre Glenview Naval Air Station into a new town center and community.
Hunt was also an investor and project executive for The Town of Fort Sheridan Company, which redeveloped 93 historic buildings. From barracks, stables, lakefront mansions and warehouses, Hunt and his partners developed 500 residences in keeping with a Cultural Resources Management Plan approved by the local and State Historic Preservation Office. To maintain the integrity of the National Historic Landmark District, all of Fort Sheridan’s historic open space and architectural facades were donated to the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois.
And just as the manor’s original owner created a lasting legacy by selecting high quality architectural and landscaping consultants, the developers’ project team also includes:
- John Myefski of Myefski-Cook Architects, known for his high quality residences and expertise in historic preservation.
- Bernie Jacobs of Jacobs-Ryan, landscape architect and expert on Prairie-style landscape design.
Once the project is complete the developer will self-nominate the restored manor house and gatehouse for listing on the National register of Historic Places.
Susan Benjamin, Benjamin Historic Certifications, consultants for the restoration of historic structures and places.
