• New Trier Thrive
  • Posts
  • RxBar Co-founder Jared Smith Acquires Lavish $12.5M Winnetka Mansion, Topping Chicago's Residential Sales for the Year

RxBar Co-founder Jared Smith Acquires Lavish $12.5M Winnetka Mansion, Topping Chicago's Residential Sales for the Year

Issue #008

In This Issue Of New Trier Thrive…

 🌤️ New Trier Township Weather

 🔦 Local Business Spotlight

 📆 Local Events

🏛️ Controversy Erupts Over Swift Removal of Hostage Support Signs in Glencoe; Village Officials Stand by Local Laws

🏛️ RxBar Co-founder Jared Smith Acquires Lavish $12.5M Winnetka Mansion, Topping Chicago's Residential Sales for the Year

 🏛️ Chicago Bears Explore Multiple Suburban Options for Potential Move from Soldier Field

 🎾 New Trier Ends 19-Year Championship Drought with a Bang, Secures Numerous Accolades in State Tournament

 🏒 Uncertainty Looms Over Blackhawks as Taylor Hall Lands on Injury Reserve List; Kurashev Returns to Regular Season Practice

  Poll Question of the Day

WEATHER

LOCAL BIZ SPOTLIGHT

Supporting local businesses is a great way to help your community thrive. Whether it's grabbing lunch from the corner café or giving your business to the friendly family-owned store, it all makes a difference.

SPOTLIGHT ON

BENNY’S GROOVY GROOMING

Hi there New Trier Township Dog Lovers, my name is Stephanie, I’m the owner of Benny’s Groovy Grooming. Benny's Groovy Grooming's mission is to ensure a safe and stress free grooming experience. I offer in-home grooming or dog taxi to my in-home salon. I keep my overhead very low, so I am able to groom just a few pups a day. This allows for good customer service and a beautiful groom!

Do you own a Business in New Trier Township?

Select an option: 👇

EVENTS

Events For The Kids:

Events For The Adults:

Chicago Sporting Events This Week:

Got an upcoming event you want us to share?

LOCAL NEWS

Controversy Erupts Over Swift Removal of Hostage Support Signs in Glencoe; Village Officials Stand by Local Laws

Public skepticism has arisen over the swift removal by the Glencoe village officials of downtown signs expressing support for hostages in Gaza. The officials defended their actions, stating that they were in compliance with existing local laws. A severe terrorist attack by Hamas in Israel on October 7, which took hundreds of lives and resulted in many hostages, prompted the placement of these signs in the heart of Glencoe. The signs displayed victims' names and photos and were located at the base of Park Avenue street poles, as described by Village Manager Phil Kiraly.

The signs, positioned by anonymous individuals, were removed by village staff after only a few hours, in accordance with the village's restrictions on such signage in public areas. Village Attorney Steven Elrod emphasized at a board meeting that the content of signs could not influence their permission or prohibition. Village President Howard Roin reflected this view, asserting that the First Amendment doesn't allow the village to discriminate between signs based on personal preference.

While denouncing the Hamas attack, Roin stated his belief that this situation isn't a matter of taking sides. However, Salomon Dayan, a board meeting attendee, objected to this stance, arguing that the village should take a stand when genocide is taking place. Long-time Glencoe resident Mark Stern praised Roin, but offered an alternate perspective, suggesting that special considerations should be made when terrorists target and abduct Americans. Stern compared the situation to a 2020 incident when anti-racism messages were chalked on Glencoe sidewalks, eliciting controversy. Stern questioned the moral judgment shown in preventing the display of signs supporting the kidnapped Americans. In response, Roin expressed openness to reconsider the policy concerning the chalking incidents, noting that most current trustees were not part of the Village Board at that time.

RxBar Co-founder Jared Smith Acquires Lavish $12.5M Winnetka Mansion, Topping Chicago's Residential Sales for the Year

Jared Smith, the co-founder of RxBar who later sold the company to Kellogg for $600 million, along with his spouse Gabriella, acquired a grand 12,000-square-foot mansion in Winnetka for $12.5 million in July, making it the most expensive residential sale in the Chicago area for the year. The purchase came in the wake of billionaire Justin Ishbia's $16 million acquisition of a Winnetka mansion last year, which was later razed to create a private estate. Smith, an alumnus of DePaul University, launched RxBar with buddy Peter Rahal from a humble basement in Glen Ellyn back in 2012.

The opulent Lake Michigan abode, erected in 2005 and thoroughly revamped in 2017, was handed over to the Smiths by a discreet land trust. The domicile, nestled on a 0.8-acre plot, flaunts a five-bedroom setup, 7½ baths, and an array of luxurious amenities including black inlay windows, all-new lighting, and elegant fireplaces. Among the numerous highlights are a welcoming foyer with a bridal staircase, a capacious kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, and a primary bedroom suite with its own private deck. The estate also exhibits a lush outdoor space featuring a pool, a hot tub, and a stairway leading to a vast beach, ensuring a sumptuous living experience. Amid the recent real estate endeavors, the Smiths have also been liquidating other properties, including a six-bedroom mansion in Lincoln Park, and another plush residence in Winnetka, marking their significant footprint in the upscale property market.

REGIONAL NEWS

Chicago Bears Explore Multiple Suburban Options for Potential Move from Soldier Field


It appears that the Chicago Bears are keeping their options open for a potential move from Soldier Field, with multiple suburbs vying for the team's attention. Richton Park, Aurora, Naperville, Rockford, and Waukegan have all expressed interest in hosting the team, adding to the list of possible locations. These areas are likely leveraging various incentives, such as convenient transportation routes and property tax advantages, to attract the franchise.

This wide range of options indicates that the Bears are open to exploring different avenues for their future home base. Team president and CEO Kevin Warren has noted that the organization is in talks with both city and suburban officials to explore all opportunities. As they evaluate these alternatives, the Bears seem focused on factors like strategic location, access to major highways, and public transit, as well as the financial feasibility of property taxes and land valuations.

TODAY Is International Artist’s DAY

International Artist's Day on October 25 celebrates the multifaceted talents of artists, including painters, musicians, writers, and more. Born on this day in 1881, Pablo Picasso epitomizes this versatility as a painter, sculptor, and poet. Artists enrich our world by mastering various mediums and sharing their unique gifts. #InternationalArtistsDay

SPORTS

NEW TRIER TENNIS

New Trier Ends 19-Year Championship Drought with a Bang, Secures Numerous Accolades in State Tournament

The New Trier team ended a 19-year championship drought this season, with coach Jerry Morse-Karzen praising the team's camaraderie and continuous improvement. In a decisive victory, New Trier amassed 35 team points, notably ahead of second-place Stevenson (20 points) and third-place Deerfield and Sandburg (16 points). The doubles tournament saw the school's first state champions since 1990, Keri Rothenberg and Ariane Lesterhuis, defeat Sandburg's Maia Loureiro and Estela Loureiro. Senior Madison Liu secured a second-place finish in the singles tournament, the highest since Wendy Fix's 1992 performance. Liu appreciated her progress and the role of the New Trier support system in her success. She also received the Tom Pitchford State Sportsmanship Award for character demonstration during her matches. Other team victories included a sixth-place finish for junior Coco Zabel and freshman Julia Ludwig in the double's tournament and a backdraw point win by Elizabeth Dabiza.

BLACKHAWKS

Uncertainty Looms Over Blackhawks as Taylor Hall Lands on Injury Reserve List; Kurashev Returns to Regular Season Practice

Taylor Hall of the Chicago Blackhawks has been placed on the injury reserve list due to a re-injured left shoulder, as announced by coach Luke Richardson. Hall's return date remains uncertain. A quick healer, Hall had a strong start this season, which the Blackhawks are eager to have back. The injury first occurred on October 11 due to a collision with Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo, but Hall was back on ice within two days. Despite not making any goals, Hall's physical play and two assists have been vital for the team. Hall was transferred from Bruins along with Nick Foligno to accompany Connor Bedard, the Blackhawks' top 2023 NHL Draft pick. On another note, forward Philipp Kurashev has returned to regular practice after a left wrist injury and will be playing his first season's game against the Bruins.

What is the name of the unincorporated area near Winnetka?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

How Did We Do On This Issue?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

We could use your help

We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!

One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.

Know somebody who lives in the Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, Glencoe, Northfield, and East Glenview areas and would benefit from being kept in the know?

Please share New Trier Thrive with them! It’s simple! 👇👇👇