Market Square

Standing in front of the Lake Forest Shop you can see Market Square which was recognized by the National Register of Historic Places as the first planned shopping center in the United States. It was designed by Howard Van Doren Shaw and built in 1916. The fountain sculpture you see was designed by Shaw’s daughter, Silvia Shaw Judson Haskins. While Market Square is the business hub of downtown Lake Forest, shops continue in both directions on Western Avenue – including a shopping area a couple of blocks south and north of here.

The Lake Forest Shop was opened in 1922 and is currently operated by the granddaughter of its founder.