 |
| |
| |
 |
|
Westmont
Westmont was originally known as Greg's Station, a "cream-and-eggs" stop for
the train to Chicago. It was named after the Gregg Brickyard, from which Chicago
imported bricks to rebuild after the fire of 1871.
In 1862, the future of Westmont was paved by the construction of the Chicago Aurora
Branch of the Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad completed in 1864. Brick
manufacturers bought land in Westmont in 1871 in order to supply bricks for the
rebuilding of Chicago after the Great Chicago Fire.
Reflecting its varied population of nearly 20,500, Westmont has a healthy mix of
commercial, light industrial, office, and research parks. Growth in the commercial
and industrial area has allowed the village to reduce its tax rate.
Housing also varies. There is a mixture of new and old single-family homes,
apartments, and planned condominium developments. There are approximately 2,000
rental units in the village. The residents are able to use the facilities in the
village's 15 parks, encompassing 80 acres. Community sponsored events include Pow
Wow Days, an annual festival featuring music, food, and fireworks held in September.
Like the neighboring towns and villages, Westmont's schools enjoy a good reputation.
District 201 has four (4) elementary schools, a junior high school, and Westmont
High School, Hinsdale Central High School, Hinsdale South High School, and Downers Grove
North and South High Schools. Parochial education offers one Catholic and one
Lutheran elementary. A new Westmont Library facility has recently opened.
Westmont is only 20 miles from the Chicago Loop. It is well located for
commuters. Driving time to the Loop, via The East-West Tollway (Interstate 88), and
the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) is about 45 minutes. The Burlington Northern
railroad has a station in Westmont. The travel time via the train is approximately
35 minutes to Chicago. Three Pace bus routes bring commuters to the train station.
O'Hare Airport is only 20 miles away, via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294).
|
