VIDEO: 'Growth Spurts' Sprouts Up at 4th and Linden

Two store front windows along the 4th Street and Linden Avenue business district will come to life this May. Sisters Ellen Darnieder and Devin McCue are working tirelessly to transform the 1,800 sq. ft.-space into Growth Spurts, LLC, a play-based learning space for children.

"It became an idea a century ago," Darnieder told Patch, "The pieces kind of fell into place for it to not need to be five or 10 years from now."

Both Darnieder and McCue hold degrees in education and have worked in schools in Wilmette and Evanston in various capacities. In addition to a toddler gym and writing center, the space will have rotating toys that will change as seasons change.

But kids aren't the only ones who'll get to play, the sisters said. The other half of the space will feature a cafe that serves coffee and a lounge with wifi. Additionally, the duo hopes to encourage other local business owners, such as clothing designers, to use the facility to sell their goods as well.

"A big part for us is serving the communities we live in." Darnieder added, "We want to create a place where parents can come together and children can grow." 

With Darnieder moving to Wilmette in two weeks, McCue said the business is slated to open in the second week of May.

"I'm glad to be moving outside of the house and into something bigger." McCue said, "I can't imagine having the opportunity to do this with anyone else."

Check out the video for more information on Growth Spurts, LLC and for a behind-the-scenes look at its beginnings.

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