Start Your Home Project in Kenilworth

Kenilworth is the North Shore's youngest lakefront village and its most deliberately planned: Joseph Sears laid out 223 acres between the rail line and Lake Michigan in 1889, and Prairie School architect George W. Maher went on to design roughly 37 of its homes along with parks and civic monuments. Remodeling here means working inside that 1890s-1920s fabric, where the majority of the housing stock reflects the village’s foundational vision. Most homes are substantial Tudor and Colonial Revival houses, often featuring plaster walls, original millwork, and early-generation wiring. These residences, many of which are over a century old, present unique considerations for modern updates. For instance, expanding kitchens often requires thoughtful integration with existing structural elements and careful consideration of plumbing and electrical systems that predate contemporary standards. Similarly, bathroom remodels frequently involve navigating older piping and wall structures, ensuring that new fixtures are seamlessly incorporated while preserving the home’s character. The Village’s own inventory notes some remaining lead and galvanized water services, ahead of Kenilworth's 2027 cost-share replacement program, a reality GS Construction always factors into our planning.

The intentional design of Kenilworth, with its large lots and mature, tree-lined streetscape, as envisioned by Sears, means additions must be meticulously planned to respect the original footprint and aesthetic. This is particularly true for homes situated near landmarks like the Kenilworth Club or the Kenilworth Assembly Hall, where maintaining architectural harmony is paramount. The village's commitment to its historic character means that homeowners frequently engage with architectural review processes to ensure exterior remodels and additions align with established guidelines. The village as a whole is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the expectation of preserving architectural integrity is strong. Basements, often under century-old foundations, present opportunities for transformation into functional living spaces, but require expert knowledge of older construction techniques, including foundation waterproofing and managing potential moisture issues. Our whole-home remodels in Kenilworth focus on updating these grand residences for modern living while honoring their unique heritage, from reconfiguring interior layouts to upgrading mechanicals and improving energy efficiency without compromising the original design.

The layout of the village, bisected by Sheridan Road and bordered by the Green Bay Trail, provides a clear sense of place, with homes generally maintaining a consistent scale and style throughout the original Sears development. While distinct named subdivisions are less common than in some newer communities, the overall character of Kenilworth remains cohesive. The presence of the Joseph Sears School (District 38) through eighth grade and New Trier High School after, coupled with the convenient Metra UP-N stopping at Kenilworth's own station off Green Bay Road, underscores the strong family orientation of the community. This often translates into remodeling projects driven by the needs of growing families, whether it's creating more functional living areas, adding bedrooms, or transforming basements into playrooms or media centers. GS Construction plans kitchens and bathrooms around these realities, finishes basements under century-old foundations, and designs additions that respect Sears' large-lot, tree-lined streetscape, ensuring every project enhances both the home and its place within this distinctive North Shore village.