Laying the Foundation

Local nonprofit turns plastic into purpose BY ANNA HUGHES | PHOTOS COURTESY OF BOTTLES2BRICKS At the intersection of creativity and change, Bottles2Bricks is redefining what it means to make a difference. The Bottles2Bricks mission is straightforward but bold: empower people and safeguard the planet by transforming plastic waste into innovative structures that uplift communities across…

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History in the (Re)Making

FoundersFest celebrates the early days of Downers Grove BY VALERIE HARDY  Downers Grove returns to its roots during the annual FoundersFest celebration. Commemorating the village’s opening chapter and featuring its founding fathers and mothers, the weeklong series of events is a time-honored tradition for residents and merchants each spring. The 2026 FoundersFest will open on…

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Elmhurst Art Museum’s Robert McCormick House

Mies van der Rohe’s eternal Modernism BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN Have you ever wondered about the house adjacent to the Elmhurst Art Museum? It used to be a private residence here in town and is one of only three in the United States designed by German immigrant Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Mies van der Rohe…

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Redefining Guest Experiences

The future of modern hotel design In this exclusive interview, Oak Brook Magazine sits down with Komal Patel, CEO of Vinayaka Hospitality. Patel oversees the prominent DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago – Oak Brook and the Chicago Marriott Oak Brook. Here, he shares insights into the meticulous design process, evolving guest expectations, and the art of…

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Rising Stars

Elmhurst brothers shine on the big screen BY ANNA HUGHES From behind the scenes to the big screen, the McCracken family knows a lot about show business. Michael and Becca McCracken have been in the entertainment industry for decades. Michael, an actor himself, is the founder and artistic director of Vagabond School of the Arts…

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