Elmhurst real estate blog archive

Former Mayor Tom Marcucci is one of Elmhurst’s biggest advocates, and not just because he served for so many years in public office here. The Marcuccis bought a home in Elmhurst in 1982 and carefully tended and extended it over the years to meet the needs of their growing family. Mayor Marcucci and his wife, Mimi, chose Elmhurst for a number of compelling reasons – the schools, the location, and the parks to name just a few. Their home on Charles Road is now up for sale, and it’s a great example of how the city itself has thoughtfully grown and developed over the years.

Chicago Magazine published a piece about the Marcucci home last week complete with a video interview with the mayor filmed in his home. The Tudor style property boasts leaded and stained glass windows, beamed ceilings, a phone booth, and its trademark checkerboard chimney. The square footage has nearly doubled over the years to accommodate five daughters, but the signature foyer with its winding staircase and sunlit windows remains unchanged. The expansions and improvements have been carefully completed to retain the integrity of its original style while incorporating the needs of modern family living

The Marcuccis paid $138,000 for the home in 1982 at half its current size and in need of attention. It currently lists for $850,000 primarily because the expansion in the early 1990s nearly doubled its square footage, and was thoughtfully planned to complement the original structure. The family acknowledges that the master bath and kitchen rehab done at that time could probably do with some updating now, but they’ve decided to let the new owners put their own stamp upon it. Instead, they replaced the 30-year-old roof and gutters, and took the kitchen and bath into consideration when setting their asking price.

The Marcucci home’s story is a wonderful metaphor for the city of Elmhurst itself. Tastefully conceived and carefully developed, the city continues to boast of great schools, an excellent location, and a thriving recreational base which taken together foster a richly textured community. The Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group is ready to help you make the move to Elmhurst, too. With community knowledge, industry experience, and personal dedication, our team is the best place to start on the road to your home ownership dreams. Contact us today at 540 South York St. in Elmhurst, or at (630) 567-5902.

Continuing our focus on education, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recently released his list of 2012 National Blue Ribbon Schools. Two Elmhurst schools, Lincoln Elementary and Bryan Middle School, were among the 219 public and 50 private schools recognized for excellence. “Our nation has no greater responsibility than helping all children realize their full potential,” Duncan said. “Schools honored with the National Blue Ribbon Schools award are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers. Their work reflects the conviction that every child has promise and that education is the surest pathway to a strong, secure future.”

During the past 30 years, the Blue Ribbon Schools program has recognized nearly 7,000 of the most successful public and private schools in the US. The application process is rigorous, and nominated schools must demonstrate that they meet criteria based upon state assessment systems and professional recommendations. There are two categories for the award – exemplary high performing schools, and exemplary improving schools. Both Bryan and Lincoln were recognized as high performing schools. All of this year’s award winning schools will be recognized in a ceremony in Washington D.C. in early November, and will each receive a plaque and a Blue Ribbon Schools flag designating their achievements.

Following on from York High School’s recent recognition as one of Chicago’s top 10 schools, these Blue Ribbon announcements add even more strength to the fact that Elmhurst is a wonderful place to raise a family. Our schools do more than simply prepare our students for higher education and the job market. They offer important opportunities to practice being members of the Elmhurst community. Schools reflect the values and ethics of the communities they serve, and these awards show that our schools, and the people who stand behind them, are committed to providing the best opportunities possible for our children and Elmhurst’s future.

Elmhurst is a dynamic community, and it’s the perfect place to call home. The Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group is here to help. With community knowledge, industry experience, and personal dedication, our team is the best place to start on the road to your home ownership dreams. Contact us today at 540 South York St. in Elmhurst, or at (630) 567-5902.

It’s official: Kids going to high school in Elmhurst, IL will end up ahead of the pack.

According to a recent review of almost 22,000 U.S. public high schools, Elmhurst’s York High School is among the best in the state, ranking number 31 on its ability to ready graduating students for further education.

For the past four years, U.S. News & World Report has analyzed the country’s high schools and published the results in its report of Best High School rankings.  Methods used to produce the ratings included test scores, state assessments, and Advanced Placement programs which offer college-level course work.

Based on these rankings, along with how well students were prepared for college or other advanced education, each school received a gold, silver, or bronze medal. York High School was a silver medalist as were fifteen other area high schools. Illinois’ one gold medal winner was Hinsdale Central High School.

For many people, the quality of the schools is a huge factor in determining where to settle down and raise a family. Homeowners in Elmhurst and neighboring areas were drawn by our great school systems, and now they have hard numbers to confirm that their children will be well educated and ready to meet life’s challenges on all levels. 

A great education is just one of the many advantages to living in Elmhurst. If you’re looking to buy or sell Elmhurst real estate or properties in the surrounding area, contact the Gracik Makinney Group, or call (630) 567-5902.