RIVERSIDE, IL is one of the first planned communities in USA, incorporated in 1875 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970. Eastern businessman Emery Childs, with group of associates, purchased 1,600 acres along the Des Plaines River for residential development. The site was highly desirable due to its natural oak-hickory forest and 11 miles distance from Chicago downtown.
Landscape architect Frederic Law Olmsted, famous for design of New York City's Central Park, and his partner Calvert Vaux planned the streets to follow the Des Plaines River. Riverside supposed to combine the pleasures of rural living with urban conveniences such as community-provided gas, water services, and maintained streets. The plan also uses several large parks as a foundation. Architects Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, William Le Baron Jenney drew the plans for some houses that still stand in the village. Olmsted's reputation, plus the lovely curvilinear streets, open spaces, expansive green parkways and attractive village, attracted Chicago's elite. By the fall of 1871 a number of large, expensive houses were occupied.
Even Chicago fire of 1871 drew money away from the construction of Riverside and into the reconstruction of Chicago, it also forced many people to move away from the crowded City of Chicago and to Riverside.
The village housing stock varies from well-maintained 1920s bungalows and huge Victorian and early-twentieth-century mansions that attract architectural tours. In the 1920s and late 1930s, many modest houses were constructed on smaller parcels.
There are several restaurants as well as coffee shops, antiques stores that also sell Victorian house fixtures, in this charming village center.
The population was 8,895 at the 2000 census. Located just 11 miles west of downtown Chicago and on Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway (Metra station in center of town), Riverside is also convenient for people working in Chicago. It is located between O'Hare International Airport and Midway Airport, with approximately a 30 minute drive to each.
Riverside is served by excellent District 96 for public schools (4 elementary schools, 1 junior high school). Great High School District 208 serves Riverside high school students.
If you would like to live in a town that is an architectural museum, located on Des Plaines River and not so far from Chicago downtown no matter if you are using train or car, with excellent schools and close to shopping mall, Riverside is just a right place for you.
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