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Glencoe
 Glencoe,
22 miles north of the
Loop, began as an experiment in building the "perfect suburb".
Alexander Hammond, a retired physician and farmer from
Rockford, led the quest to create a village with parks, homes and
streets following the natural and beautiful topography of the land.
Residents would agree that the experiment was an unmitigated
success. The principles that shaped Glencoe are still evident today.
Strict zoning helps to maintain the spaciousness of the community,
which reminds one more of a forest preserve than a suburb of a major
metropolitan area. The central business district of the village is
dotted with small boutiques, cafes and a variety of professional
services. It is shielded from many of the trappings of urban life
(expressways, for example) by forest preserves, the Chicago Botanic
Gardens and dense growths of trees.
Recreation.
Outdoor activities are
popular in the community, which boasts a nicely maintained beach,
boating slips at the Wilmette Harbor and two nature sanctuaries. The
district operates 18 parks, two outdoor ice rinks, two community
centers, tennis courts, three golf courses and bicycle/jogging
paths.
Glencoe is also home to the Chicago Botanic Gardens,
which is maintained by the Cook County Forest Preserve. A popular
Chicago area attraction, the Gardens feature many special features
during the year and is the site of many special events and weddings.
Housing.
The village has a mix
of housing styles that include traditional two-stories, Tudors,
Colonials and Georgians.
The Village of Glencoe has many historical and architecturally significant
structures and is the home of the only known bridge to be designed
by Frank Lloyd Wright. The Glencoe Historic Preservation Commission,
established in December, 1990, is responsible for public education
about preservation; identification of landmark sites and structures;
and advisory review of proposed alterations to landmarks and
historic sites.
Schools
Students attend Central Elementary School district 35,which is known
for its language arts and fine arts programs, as well as its
student-published magazine. Teenagers attend nationally recognized
New Trier High School district 203 in neighboring Winnetka.
Transportation.
Drivers
have easy access to the Edens Expressway (I-94), and drive time to
the Loop is 30 minutes. O'Hare Airport is 30 minutes away, while
Midway is a 50-minute drive. Metra trains reach the Loop in 29
minutes by express and 38 minutes on the locals.
Population (2000 census): 8762
Square Mileage: 3.8
http://www.glencoevillage.org/index1024.htm
[Photo: Botanic Gardens,
Glencoe]
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