A Bit About us

MEET OUR TEAM

Owner

Dan Spain

Converting ideas on paper to exceptional properties. Coordinating large teams of contractors. Entrepreneur. Dan is a man of many talents but he’s most proud of creating The Elm…from conception to design to completion.

Like the elms growing throughout this historic area, Dan’s roots in this community run deep. He grew up in La Grange Park, went to Lyons Township High School and…together with his wife, Caitlin…is raising his family here.

Dan’s vision to build a uniquely inviting space is fueled by his background in real estate development. He is the owner of Spain Development, a general contracting company that focuses on high-end construction builds, and mixed use projects.

A graduate of the University of St. Thomas with a degree in finance, Dan is very active in this community. He and his wife sponsor many local charities and are active participants in the La Grange Business Association.

For Dan, The Elm is so much more than a restaurant. It’s an event space unlike any other in the area. His family’s legacy. And a way to give back to the community that has given him so much.

Owner + Interior Designer

Caitlin Spain

Planting trees with a generous spirit. Creating a village that appears to have been carved from a forest rather than built on a prairie. Her creative vision and refined eye have been Caitlin’s guiding force as she put her time, talents and energy into bringing The Elm to life.

Caitlin’s passion for design and decorating runs as deep as her passion for this community. She grew up in Western Springs, went to Lyons Township High School and…together with her husband, Dan…is happily raising her three children here.

With an art degree from the University of Iowa, Caitlin has a flair for creating cool spaces with an upbeat vibe. Over the last decade, she and Dan have been a dynamic duo in home building and rehab…with Caitlin leading the charge of designing and staging the homes.

When not sketching and creating, Caitlin enjoys running, hanging out with friends and trying to keep up with her three “littles.”