Happy Friday!

Libertyville is moving ahead with a $43 million investment in public safety. Village officials just approved a $25M bond to help fund a new 46,598-square-foot police station (nearly double the size of the current facility). If all goes as planned, construction could begin as soon as May. 🚔

☀️ Today’s weather:
Sunny with a high of 52°F. Just a 5% chance of precipitation, 55% humidity, and winds at 11 mph. A solid Friday to get outside and enjoy the break from winter!

📺 Why These Chicago Homes Aren’t Selling… But Others Are: In today’s video, I break down what’s stalling some listings—and why others are flying off the market in 2026.

🍴 Check out The Foodie’s Guide for this week’s best eats, and scroll down for WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE 'BURBS? — your weekend events roundup. 

Let’s dive in!

 —Brandon Blankenship, Founder of Living Chicago Suburbs / Realtor with Keller Williams Premiere Properties

In case you missed…

Events

💭 WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE 'BURBS? 

This Weekend Events…

Love & Luck Festival – Lunar New Year & Valentine’s Day Celebration

Celebrate the season of love and luck with a festive afternoon featuring Lunar New Year traditions, Valentine’s Day activities, and family-friendly entertainment.
📍 Location: Fox Valley Mall, Aurora
🗓️ Date & Time: Feb 14 | 11 AM – 2 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free admission
🔗 More Info

The Second City: Laugh Harder Not Smarter

Enjoy a night of sharp, fast-paced sketch comedy and improv from the legendary Second City, delivering an all-new show packed with bold humor and big laughs.
📍 Location: Belushi Performance Hall, Glen Ellyn
🗓️ Date & Time: Feb 14 | 5 PM & 8 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $32 – $49
🔗 More Info

Valentine’s Day Dinner at the Gingko Room

Treat your special someone to an elegant Valentine’s Day dining experience surrounded by the beauty of the Morton Arboretum, featuring a curated multi-course dinner in a romantic setting.
📍 Location: Gingko Room at the Morton Arboretum, Lisle
🗓️ Date & Time: Feb 14 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $130
🔗 More Info

NOT ENOUGH? SEE MORE EVENTS THIS WEEKEND→

Nothing in this section is sponsored, I will let you know when it's sponsored

Watch This

🎥 Why These Chicago Homes Aren’t Selling… But Others Are

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Just send us an email at [email protected] or fill out the form here!: https://livinginchicagosuburbs.com/contact/

News

🚔 Libertyville Approves $25M Bond for New Police Station

Driving the news: Libertyville trustees have authorized borrowing $25 million to help fund a new $43 million police station, keeping the long-planned project on track.

Details:

• The village will issue alternative revenue bonds, with a required notification hearing set for March 10 and a tentative bond sale on March 24.

• Construction could begin as early as May if timelines hold.

• The new station will span 46,598 square feet, replacing the current 26,295-square-foot facility at 200 E. Cook Ave.

• About $18 million in existing savings will cover the remaining project costs.

Why it matters: Village leaders say the current station no longer supports modern policing needs, from updated technology to staffing demands. The new facility is designed to improve efficiency, safety, and service delivery, while being funded primarily through an existing 0.5% non-home-rule sales tax, not new property taxes.

Between the lines: The 0.5% sales tax, enacted in 2022, generates roughly $2 million annually and was created with this project as its top priority. Officials say there’s no direct financial impact on residents beyond regular sales tax contributions.

The bottom line: The police station has been in Libertyville’s capital improvement plan since 2022. After years of planning, the city is entering the construction phase of a long-awaited police station upgrade: funded, scheduled, and moving forward.

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🍔 The Foodie's Guide

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

Free Home Buying Seminar in March

Join us for The House Pour — Home Buying Seminar Edition at Brewpoint Coffee in Elmhurst!

Jesse Furrow and I are hosting a free home-buying seminar on March 7 at Brewpoint Coffee in Elmhurst. You’ll get practical tips, market updates, and answers to your questions. Coffee and bagels are on them. A great chance to learn, meet people, and feel confident about your next move.

Learn how to buy a home in Chicagoland in a relaxed, easy way.

Market

📊 Real Estate Insights

The real estate market in the Chicago suburbs (especially Naperville, Elmhurst, Wheaton, and Glen Ellyn) remains active and competitive. Whether you're planning to buy or sell, having the right local expert makes all the difference.

Thinking of selling? I’ll craft a strategic marketing plan and help you price your home to attract serious buyers and get the best return.

Ready to buy? With today’s interest rates and available inventory, now could be the perfect time to make your move. I’ll help you find the right home and navigate every step of the process with confidence.