Van Hemert Law has set out for the Western Frontier…
Of Illinois, at least. After seven and half wonderful years in Park Ridge, Illinois, the Van Hemert family has packed up and relocated to the beautiful, historic hamlet of Galena, Illinois.
Two Hundred years ago, at time which Chicago was little more than an army fort and assorted villages, this mining town was Illinois’ bustling metropolis. Over the next several decades, as demand for lead declined, so did the population of the city, shrinking to less than one third its peak of 14,000 in the mid-1800s to the 3,500 who now inhabit its charming vintage homes and man the quaint storefronts on its historic Main Street. But Galena kept its charm, its values, and its chin up.
I’d like to think Van Hemert Law is doing the same.
Like Galena, economic circumstances called for a change. But, like Galena, the Van Hemerts chose to invest in themselves. Brianne, my wife, faced with the prospect of one day returning to a post-pandemic corporate setting, chose, instead, to get back in touch with her creative side and build something of her own. Scent Workshop opened in mid-October of 2020 to great success. Galena was looking for a new experience to enhance the old ones and a “fragrance studio,” where patrons can tap into their own creative juices while they make their own custom candles and perfume scents, just seemed like a good fit.
Galena has always been a special place. After a few visits through Galena on our way to visit family at points further west, when it came time for Brianne and I to tie the knot, we knew Galena would work its magic on our guests as well and add to the enchantment of our special day. We stayed in love…. with each other… with this town. So, when it came time to start writing the next chapter in our lives, we couldn’t think of a better place to set the scene.
As Van Hemert Law physically moves away from Chicagoland, it aims to keep to the values that has driven its success thus far, while eagerly embracing the changes in pace and scenery that Galena and Northwest Illinois has to offer. Van Hemert Law will continue to service its real estate clients in the Chicago area from its new office at 125 S. Wacker in the heart of the “Loop.”
But, Galena is now home and we can’t be more excited to meet you all… and get to work!