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82 FOREST & BLUFF NOVEMBER 2015 Profile WORDS BY SUSAN CARLSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY CAROL FITZGERALD Red Seal Homes has been building residences in the Chicago area for more than 80 years. Keeping the Family Tradition R ed Seal Homes is a third generation company that has spent the last decade remaining a very active and viable player in the homebuilding market,” says Todd Fishbein, President and CEO. During the lengthy downturn in the real estate development, Red Seal Homes continued to succeed by working with several area lenders, investors, and property owners to offer real estate turnaround and work-out services. Today, the real estate market is rebounding and Red Seal Homes is currently developing the first non-distressed housing development in about 12 years. Todd and his brother-in-law, Brian Hoffman, are partners in the successful Northbrook-based development company, Red Seal Homes. Fishbein, a lifelong North Shore resident, is married with four daughters ages 12 to 20. He started his career as a real estate attorney and has been developing residential communities for more than 20 years. Today, Fishbein focuses on land acquisition, zoning, and development efforts. Hoffman, Vice Chairman and CFO, has worked on several real estate developments from Evanston to Lake Forest throughout his career. His maternal grandfather started Red Seal Homes in 1934. Also a North Shore resident, Hoffman is married with three boys. At Red Seal Homes since 1991, he is currently responsible for market strategy and acquisitions. Historically, Red Seal Homes has been involved with various developments around and near Lake Forest. Red Seal Homes was one of three companies in partnership to develop and build homes in the Town of Ft. Sheridan when the local base closed. Red Seal Homes worked closely with Lake Forest, Highwood, and Highland Park to successfully preserve the historic aspect of Ft. Sheridan, maintain open space, and create a residential community with architectural integrity. Fast-forward to 2013, Red Seal Homes is now part of the community with the development of Willow Lake in Lake Forest. Willow Lake is a gorgeous community across from Conway Farms Club and just west of Academy Woods. e development includes 52 luxurious homes tucked away near scenic Willow and East Lakes. e first phase sold out and the second phase is more than 65 percent sold. Willow Lake boasts of semi-attached, maintenance-free homes measuring up to 4,800-square-feet starting at $800,000. e homes offer high-end finishes, gourmet kitchens, optional elevators, choice of exterior style, and the option for buyers to structurally customize floor plans. When asked about the trends in North Shore real estate, Hoffman says, “We have a continued focus on valued architecture and design. Our clientele is discerning as ever. We’ve seen a change in master suite bathrooms. Clients are asking for large, walk-in showers instead of a traditional bathtub. Homeowners are also looking for maintenance-free options without sacrificing on square footage.” “As Red Seal moves into the next 10 years, we will continue to design and develop quality homes with the tradition of past decades as well as understanding and being sensitive to the future development of long-standing communities along the North Shore,” Fishbein adds. For more information on Willow Lakes or Red Seal Homes, call 847-272-5600 or visit redsealhomes.com. TODD FISHBEIN AND BRIAN HOFFMAN 82_FB_1115_Profile_Red_Seal.indd 1 10/16/15 10:08 AM
