Nationally Registered Landmark in Wilmette: Frank J. Baker House
Discover the historic Frank J. Baker House in Wilmette—an iconic 1909 Frank Lloyd Wright design and a lasting symbol of architectural innovation.
Board Game History: Calling All Board Game Lovers!
As we continue to anticipate great times ahead once the Optima Verdana® card room opens — when we will spend many an …
Tales from Wilmette: How an old laundry became a center for pioneering climate research
As the town of Wilmette continues the celebration of its 150th anniversary, it stands to reason that its rich history…
How to Make Your Pets More Comfortable at Home
At Optima, we constantly challenge ourselves to bring exceptional features to our communities that elevate the lives …
Euchre Card Game Origin, History, & Facts
Imagine a beautiful afternoon in the Optima Verdana® game room, with sunlight flooding the space and the scent of hot…
Trending Now: The Art of Playing Bridge
No one can dispute the remarkable benefits of participating in multi-player card games — from stimulating the brain t…
Wilmette’s 150th Anniversary
At Optima Verdana, we continue to embrace the culture of Wilmette and its surroundings. Throughout the year, the vill…
Mahjong History: Origins & American Introduction
Credit: Larry Dale Gordon/Design Pics/Zuma Press With construction at Optima Verdana well underway, we’re excited abo…
Alfresco Cooking in Optima Communities
Optima Lakeview’s Skydeck featuring an outdoor kitchen and various communal grills available to use year-round Warm w…
Vertical Landscaping Around the World
Explore how vertical landscaping at Optima Verdana improves Wilmette living—cooling buildings, filtering air, reducin…
Bahai’ Temple Wilmette Architecture Spotlight
Chicago has earned its place on the architectural map thanks to the countless architects who helped fill the city wit…
How Optima Communities Support Hybrid and Remote Working
At Optima, each of our communities are thoughtfully curated to make everyday life extraordinary. Whether it’s the exp…
Culinary Trends: Induction Cooking
Strike up a conversation with any kitchen aficionado and talk will quickly turn to induction cooking. At Optima, we a…
Natural Stone: A Timeless Staple of Architecture
At Optima, we celebrate the fundamental connection between design and nature. It’s this philosophy that often inspire…