“Ever wondered why Riverside’s streets curve so much?”
Welcome to Riverside a truly unique village. It’s not just a suburb it’s a National Historic Landmark. Designed in 1869 by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux the same team behind New York’s Central Park Riverside was America’s first planned suburb.
Olmsted and Vaux had a vision. They wanted to create a community close to nature yet conveniently near Chicago. The result is breathtaking. Notice the gently curving streets. They follow the land’s natural contours and the Des Plaines River. There are no square corners no cul-de-sacs. It’s a deliberate design choice. Olmsted aimed to create a calming environment free from the harshness of a typical city grid.
Riverside’s history isn’t without its challenges. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and the financial Panic of 1873 hit the Riverside Improvement Company hard. They went bankrupt. Olmsted and Vaux resigned over payment disputes. But their plan lived on. The village was incorporated in 1875.
Look around. You see impressive architecture. Victorian homes grand estates even some designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Riverside became a haven for wealthy families. Many built magnificent homes here. The village’s wealth is reflected in the well-preserved buildings. The village became an architectural museum.
The Olmsted design wasn’t just about beauty. He incorporated parks and playgrounds. He wanted people to interact. He wanted them to enjoy nature. The result is a community with abundant green spaces. Small parks dot intersections. Larger parks such as Grand Park act as anchors for the community. Olmsted’s vision created a functional design for recreation and rest.
Riverside is a testament to forward-thinking urban planning. It’s a place where nature and urban life co-exist. It’s a place where history whispers from every corner. It’s a place that deserves to be explored. A place that deserves to be cherished. Enjoy your time in Riverside.