Envision a model English town. That was the dream behind Westchester. Utilities tycoon Samuel Insull envisioned Westchester in 1924. He purchased 2,200 acres of farmland. Insull, a London native, wanted to create an English-style suburb.
Westchester’s history began long before Insull. German farmers settled here in the mid-19th century. A few old farmhouses and street names remain. These are remnants of the area’s 150 years of farming.
Insull’s vision shaped Westchester. The village’s name and English street names reflect this. Some homes built in the 1920s also show his influence. Westchester was officially incorporated in 1925.
Developers invested in infrastructure. They paved streets and built sidewalks. Sewers, street lamps and water mains were installed. They also planted parkway trees. The English-style architecture set Westchester apart. Brick, stucco, and hand-hewn timbers were common.
The Great Depression halted construction in the 1930s. Many properties faced contract and tax issues. After World War II, Westchester recovered. A housing boom from 1950 to 1960 increased the population. It jumped from 4,308 to 18,092 residents.
The rapid transit line was removed. Expressways reshaped transportation in the 1950s. Westchester’s location became advantageous. The Eisenhower Expressway and Tri-State Tollway were nearby.
In the 1980s, the Westbrook Corporate Center was built. It added five 10-story office buildings. This expanded Westchester’s commercial tax base.
Residential development continued in the 1990s. It consumed nearly all remaining open land. Only the 85-acre Wolf Road Prairie remained. The Save the Prairie Society preserved it. This prairie is a rare remnant of Illinois’ original landscape.
Today, Westchester balances its history and progress. It honors its visionary planning. It shows resilience through challenges. It also remains committed to its community spirit. Westchester is a distinctive suburban community. It is located 13 miles west of the Chicago Loop. Its story reflects transformation and enduring values.