T H O M A S N O R M A N R A J K O V I C H

A R C H I T E C T , L T D .

Elawa Farm Steering Committee
Lake Forest, Illinois 60045

To Whom It May Concern:

A preliminary programming review was undertaken to assess the feasibility of allocation of Partner Organization Space Needs within the existing physical framework of the Elawa Farm historic structures.

1. It is our recommendation that City of Lake Forest Parks and Maintenance equipment (whether temporary/overnight or permanent) be accommodated in a separate new structure, compatible in style and material with the historic structures. This structure could be positioned to the north of the chicken coop building at the west end of the parking area. At present, there is insufficient space to provide large scale garage-type storage and still serve all the other programmatic requirements of the project.
2. The space requirements of the Lake Forest Recreation Department for a Wildlife Education Center would, it seems, be best served in the Chicken Coop building. We recommend combining the video room and classroom space into a single space. Offices and a small kitchen could be accommodated in the west end of the building with outdoor enclosures for wildlife being built along the south of the building.
3. The space requirements of Lake Forest Open Lands Association are best served by the North Garage, Horse Barn and Manure Shed. We recommend the growing area for native plants be developed to the west of the potting shed.
4. The Wagon Shed structure, which will require substantial reconstruction, should be rebuilt with openings to the west as well. Storing vehicles in this structure would render the open court little more than an access road. Instead, it is our belief that this structure should be considered for an allied commercial purpose which is consistent with the larger educational program of the Farm. Perhaps the Chicago Botanic Garden would open a plant nursery (small scale), allied with an education program to teach gardening (native species, composting, irrigation, growth cycles, etc.). The open court between the Main Barn and the Wagon Shed should bustle with activity like the Market Square in favorable weather. Allowing the gardens to be restored and maintained by local gardening clubs will also add life to the complex. In the winter, other traditional farm crafts could be demonstrated. The model here is Williamsburg.
5. The Caretaker's Residence should become the long-term main office after the sales
6. office is no longer required. Its location is ideal as a point of entry and introduction to the complex. The main office should be housed in temporary quarters until then, perhaps in a trailer or simple frame structure for removal later.
7. The Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Historical Society should occupy the garage/office and Horse Stalls area, including possibly the northern wing of the Farm Hands' Rooms.
8. Visiting scholars/researchers could be accommodated in the Residential Flanker cottage and the southern wing of the Farm Hands' Rooms. These could be developed as two fully independent residences.
9. The Overseer's Cottage should house an on-site custodian/caretaker for the complex.
10. School District 67 should coordinate their exhibition/interactive museum needs with the other partners to avoid redundancy. Note: Let the historic structures guide the arrangement and type of uses. Rather than creating a 'virtual' farm that could be 'experienced' in downtown Chicago, allow the farm to come back to being what it was. Again, Williamsburg does this quite well, without becoming burdened with signage, text panels, and other museum paraphernalia.

Our review indicates that the programming requirements of the various Partner Organizations can coexist comfortably at the farm if each allows some shared uses. We cannot emphasize enough our sense that the open court needs to be alive with activity and that this will only be accomplished with some small-scale commercial activity. Done correctly, this will not diminish the integrity of the complex, but rather cause Lake Foresters (and others) to view the place as a vital, living part of the community, while helping offset long-term operating costs.

Respectfully offered,

Thomas Norman Rajkovich

Architect

518-26 Davis Street, Suite 206 Evanston Illinois 60201 Tel. 847×332×2782 Facsimile 847×332×1162