New Lenox, Illinois
Encyclopedia
New Lenox is a village in Will County
, Illinois
, United States
. The village population is estimated to be 24,938 as of 2006. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
forecasts New Lenox will have a population of 90,652 in 2030.
, Interstate 355
, and U.S. Route 30
run through New Lenox. According to the United States Census Bureau
, the village has a total area of 10.1 square miles (26.2 km²), of which, 10.1 square miles (26.2 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square mile (0.1035995244 km²) of it (0.20%) is water.
The Village of New Lenox wasn't officially created until October 4, 1946. In 1945 and 46 community leaders, F. Carlton Cole, Walter Baers and others reasoned that the community should be incorporated. Recognizing the benefits and the potential growth of the area, a community vote in the spring of 1946 resulted in the authorization for the creation of the Village of New Lenox. On October 4, 1946, the State of Illinois officially certified that the Village of New Lenox was legally organized and incorporated as a Village in the State of Illinois.
The Village of New Lenox is known as "The Home of Proud Americans" which exemplifies the quality of life in the community.
of 2000, there were 17,771 people, 5,853 households, and 4,834 families residing in the village. The population density
was 1,760.5 people per square mile (680.0/km²). There were 6,064 housing units at an average density of 600.7 per square mile (232.0/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 97.65% White, 0.30% African American, 0.06% Native American, 0.37% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.84% from other races
, and 0.76% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.17% of the population.
There were 5,853 households out of which 49.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.0% were married couples
living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.4% were non-families. 14.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.03 and the average family size was 3.39.
In the village the population was spread out with 33.0% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 34.2% from 25 to 44, 19.5% from 45 to 64, and 6.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.9 males.
The median income for a household in the village was $67,697, and the median income for a family was $72,947 (these figures had risen to $86,375 and $92,969 respectively as of a 2007 estimate. Males had a median income of $53,301 versus $32,193 for females. The per capita income
for the village was $25,161. About 1.4% of families and 2.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.8% of those under age 18 and 2.3% of those age 65 or over. The median home value in the village as of the first quarter of 2011 is $245,100.
Annette Bowden,
David Butterfield,
Nancy Dye,
Keith Madsen,
David Smith,
Raymond Tuminello
The Village Board of Trustees is responsible for setting Village Policy, enacting ordinances and resolutions for the proper governing of the Village, as well as for overseeing the proper planning of the Village. The Village Clerk is an appointed position and is responsible for the proper keeping of all official documents of the Village. As well, the position is the Local Election Official, and is responsible for in-person absentee voting, as well as the duties of setting the ballot for all local elections. As Chief Administrative officer, the Village Administrator is responsible for the enforcement of all Village Codes and Ordinances, as well as recommending employee hiring to the Mayor and Board of Trustees. The Village Administrator also supervises all Village departmental operations.
In 2007, the Village governmental operations were move to the new New Lenox Village Hall at 1 Veterans Parkway. Upon occupying this new building of approximately 65000 square feet (6,038.7 m²), the old Village Hall
which was approximately 14000 square feet (1,300.6 m²) was taken over by the New Lenox Police Department http://www.newlenox.net/. The main level of the building which formerly housed the Village operations was remodeled for police use.
The International Safe Communities movement started over twenty years ago in Sweden. Two hundred communities in 24 countries are currently part of the Safe Communities International Network. To firmly establish and foster a culture of safety throughout the United States, the NSC launched the Safe Communities America initiative in 2007. Based on the WHO International Safe Communities model, this program promotes community-based injury prevention and seeks to engage a broad range of individuals and organizations to work together in a coordinated and collaborative fashion.
New Lenox School District 122
provides primary education services to students in grades kindergarten through 8. The superintendent is Dr. Michael Sass. The student body is drawn primarily from the village of New Lenox, Illinois in Will County and surrounding areas.
Elementary schools
Middle schools
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210
Lincoln-Way Community High School District
210 was organized in 1951. Today, Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 serves the communities of New Lenox, Frankfort
, Mokena
, Manhattan
, and small portions of Tinley Park
and Orland Park
. There are four comprehensive high schools within the district: Lincoln-Way Central
, Lincoln-Way East, Lincoln-Way North
, and Lincoln-Way West
. Lincoln-Way Central and Lincoln-Way West are located in New Lenox; Lincoln-Way East and Lincoln-Way North are located in Frankfort.
Providence Catholic High School
Providence Catholic High School
is a Roman Catholic secondary school located in New Lenox. Providence Catholic is a private school run by the Order of Saint Augustine. The president of Providence is Father Richard McGrath, OSA, with Mr. Don Sebestyen as its principal.
Located right on historic Lincoln Highway (also part of U.S. Highway 30), the school is perhaps best known throughout the area for its strong academics, football program, and wrestling program. It is also known as one of the few Catholic schools in Illinois that has a self–imposed enrollment limit.
Joliet Junior College
Joliet Junior College
"JJC", the nation’s first public community college, offers pre-baccalaureate programs for students planning to transfer to a four-year university. New Lenox is within the JJC district and residents are eligible for in-district tuition and fees. JJC has a local Satellite Campus at Lincoln-Way Central High School offering courses to local residents.
The railway authority in the Chicago suburbs is Metra
. New Lenox has two Metra commuter rail lines. The Main New Lenox Metra Station
is located on the corner of U.S. Route 30
and Cedar Road. This rail line services towns on Metra's Rock Island
Line between Joliet Union Station and Chicago's LaSalle Street Station
. New Lenox also has a Metra Station
located on the corner of Cedar Road and Laraway Road. This rail line services towns on Metra
's SouthWest Service
Line between Manhattan
and Chicago's Union Station
.
Major Roads and Highways
New Lenox is located at the junctions of many major roads. U.S. Route 30
is the main East to West road through town. The North South streets are Cedar Road, Gougar Road, and Nelson Road. I-80 and I-355, also known as The Veterans Memorial Tollway, pass through New Lenox. These expressways lend to easy transportation to many other major highways and to Chicago
, Joliet
, Naperville
, Wheaton
, Bolingbrook.
(I-355), also known as Veterans Memorial Tollway, began construction in late 2005 of a $729.3 million 12.5 mile long southern extension of I-355 from I-55 in Bolingbrook to I-80 in New Lenox. Construction was completed on November 11, 2007. Travel times from New Lenox and the surrounding area to more established northwest suburbs such as Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Bolingbrook, etc. are expected to decrease significantly.
Spring Creek Outlets will be constructed at the northwest corner of the I-355 and Route 6 intersection, across from Silver Cross Hospital. The outlet mall will be a 550,000-square-foot main component of a mixed-used development proposed by Center Creek Development that could also include hotels, senior housing, and restaurants. Center Creek Development announced a new partnership in July 2011 with Urban Retail Properties and Mansur & Company to build, lease, and manage the $225 million project, which could break ground in spring 2012. As of July 2011, Developers were negotiating over 60 leases with potential tenants.
(RIC) – the #1 Rehabilitation Hospital in the Nation, and the University of Chicago Medical Center. The 289-patient rooms will be private and able to accommodate today’s medical technology, ultimately
reducing unnecessary transfers and the risk of infection and injury. The hospital’s design will create efficiencies between departments and promote an environment that helps patients heal faster. The new 76-acre New Lenox campus also includes medical office buildings which are already open and home to the Silver Cross Center for Women’s Health, a 4-story outpatient medical services building, and a state-of-the-art cancer center—in partnership with University of Chicago Medical Center.
In 2005 the Village opened the Commons anchored by the Performing Arts Pavilion. The Commons became the new home to the Village’s annual 4th of July celebration and quickly developed into a focal point for festivals, Chamber events, and stage performances. The Village organizes a Summer Performing Arts Program including a series of free concerts and family movie nights. Each year the Village hosts the Triple Play Concert Series featuring national recording artists performing on three different dates each summer. The 2011 Triple Play headline performers were Starship starring Mickey Thomas, Cheap Trick
, and REO Speedwagon
. Attendance at the concerts has grown each year to a sell-out capacity. Local restaurants feature favorite menu items for sale during the concerts.
Lincoln-Way High Schools'
Lincoln-Way High Schools’ state-of-the-art performing arts centers provide yet another opportunity for the community to enjoy the arts in their own back yard. Featuring a full schedule including the Spotlight Series, Senior Series and Children's Series, there promises to be something for everyone. The acclaimed Curtain Call Community Theatre features many local performers and hosts two productions annually at Lincoln-Way.
Outdoors
New Lenox features the Sanctuary Golf Course. Sanctuary has been rated by the Golf Chicago magazine as a "Best Buy" and is considered by many to be the best golfing value in the Chicagoland area. Bordering the west end of New Lenox and Joliet is Woodruff Golf Course. Opened in 1926, Woodruff is a scenic, well-manicured course with sweeping elevation changes and small greens.
The New Lenox French Market made its debut in 2011. The Market runs late spring through October and offers fresh produce and fruit, hanging baskets, perennials and potted herbs, gourmet cheeses, dips, candies and sauces, bake goods, fresh coffee and much more. Festivals and various other events play an important role in family culture and entertainment. The Park District plays host to the Village’s annual Proud American Days festival the last weekend in July. The Annual Kids Fest includes a day filled with fun activities just for kids. The Chamber’s Halloween Parade & Costume Contest features frightful fun for hundreds of area families.
During the Summer of 2011 (July 7th and 8th), Lincoln-Way Central hosted the New Lenox All-Star Experience presented by Mayor Tim Baldermann which included a Dwayne Wade Skills Academy camp, a Devin Hester
football camp, a Jim Peterik
band camp, as well as the Annual Kids Fest.
Semi-Pro Football
The Lincoln-Way Patriots are part of the Mid States Football League and play throughout the Lincoln-Way area.
Nearby Entertainment
The Rialto Square Theatre
located just six miles to the west in Joliet, is a true gem in the Southwest Suburbs. Performing arts lovers will find anything and everything at the Rialto, from ballet to bridal expos, comedy to cooking classes, travel cinema to tap dance and everything in-between.
Chicagoland Speedway
in Joliet with Indy Car, NASCAR and Chicagoland ARCA series races brings thousands of tourists to the region each season. New Lenox dining and retail establishments provide an array of specials and promotions to welcome fans.
Also in nearby Joliet, the Joliet Slammers
play minor league baseball at the state-of-the-art Silver Cross Field, providing clean, family entertainment in a safe environment. Baseball fans may also enjoy attending a Will County CrackerJacks game. The CrackerJacks are a summer collegiate baseball club based in Will County and are members of the Midwest Collegiate League.
New Lenox also offers a number of paved asphalt and crushed gravel trails. Old Plank Road Trail
is a 21-mile asphalt hiking and biking nature trail that travels through the heart of New Lenox with many access points to include access at the Village Hall in the Commons. The Hickory Creek State Nature Preserve provides a 2.8-mile asphalt hiking and biking nature trail as well as access to the historic one-room Schmuhl School Museum on the southeast corner of Route 30 and Schoolhouse Road, which is owned and operated by the New Lenox Historical Society. Additionally, the Hadley Valley Preserve offers a unique 4.85-mile crushed Spring Creek Greenway Trail that welcomes pedestrians and equestrians.
Will County, Illinois
As of the census of 2000, there were 502,266 people, 167,542 households, and 131,017 families residing in the county. The population density was 600 people per square mile . There were 175,524 housing units at an average density of 210 per square mile...
, Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The village population is estimated to be 24,938 as of 2006. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning is an agency that integrates land use planning and transportation planning for the counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will in northeastern Illinois...
forecasts New Lenox will have a population of 90,652 in 2030.
Geography
New Lenox is located approximately 36 miles southwest of downtown Chicago at 41°30′30"N 87°58′14"W (41.508251, -87.970597). Interstate 80Interstate 80
Interstate 80 is the second-longest Interstate Highway in the United States, following Interstate 90. It is a transcontinental artery running from downtown San Francisco, California to Teaneck, New Jersey in the New York City Metropolitan Area...
, Interstate 355
Interstate 355
Interstate 355 , also known as the Veterans Memorial Tollway, is an Interstate Highway and tollway in the western and southwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Like most other toll roads in the northeastern portion of the state, I-355 is maintained by a State Highway Authority...
, and U.S. Route 30
U.S. Route 30
U.S. Route 30 is an east–west main route of the system of United States Numbered Highways, with the highway traveling across the northern tier of the country. It is the third longest U.S. route, after U.S. Route 20 and U.S. Route 6. The western end of the highway is at Astoria, Oregon; the...
run through New Lenox. According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the village has a total area of 10.1 square miles (26.2 km²), of which, 10.1 square miles (26.2 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square mile (0.1035995244 km²) of it (0.20%) is water.
History
What is now the Village of New Lenox was first settled in the late 1820s, in the area of Gougar crossing ( Route 30 and Gougar Road ) and it was called VanHorne Point. New Lenox Township was established when Will County was created in 1852 with the building of the Rock Island Railroad between Chicago and Rock Island, Illinois. Originally named Tracey in honor of the general superintendent of the Rock Island Railroad. Mr. Tracy later requested that the community be renamed. The first supervisor of the Rock Island Railway for New Lenox Township, John Van Duser, named the Township New Lenox from the town of Lenox in New York, which was Van Duser's hometown. In 1863 the name for the new settlement officially became New Lenox Township.The Village of New Lenox wasn't officially created until October 4, 1946. In 1945 and 46 community leaders, F. Carlton Cole, Walter Baers and others reasoned that the community should be incorporated. Recognizing the benefits and the potential growth of the area, a community vote in the spring of 1946 resulted in the authorization for the creation of the Village of New Lenox. On October 4, 1946, the State of Illinois officially certified that the Village of New Lenox was legally organized and incorporated as a Village in the State of Illinois.
The Village of New Lenox is known as "The Home of Proud Americans" which exemplifies the quality of life in the community.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 17,771 people, 5,853 households, and 4,834 families residing in the village. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,760.5 people per square mile (680.0/km²). There were 6,064 housing units at an average density of 600.7 per square mile (232.0/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 97.65% White, 0.30% African American, 0.06% Native American, 0.37% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.84% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.76% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.17% of the population.
There were 5,853 households out of which 49.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.0% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.4% were non-families. 14.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.03 and the average family size was 3.39.
In the village the population was spread out with 33.0% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 34.2% from 25 to 44, 19.5% from 45 to 64, and 6.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.9 males.
The median income for a household in the village was $67,697, and the median income for a family was $72,947 (these figures had risen to $86,375 and $92,969 respectively as of a 2007 estimate. Males had a median income of $53,301 versus $32,193 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the village was $25,161. About 1.4% of families and 2.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.8% of those under age 18 and 2.3% of those age 65 or over. The median home value in the village as of the first quarter of 2011 is $245,100.
Local Government
The Village operates under the Village form of local government. The Council-Trustees/Mayor form of government is followed and utilizes a Village Administrator to perform chief administrative duties. The current mayor is Tim Baldermann and the current Village Administrator is Russell Loebe. The six member Board of Trustees and Mayor are elected in an election at large on a four-year staggered basis, with the Mayor elected to that specific office by the voters. The current Board:Annette Bowden,
David Butterfield,
Nancy Dye,
Keith Madsen,
David Smith,
Raymond Tuminello
In 2007, the Village governmental operations were move to the new New Lenox Village Hall at 1 Veterans Parkway. Upon occupying this new building of approximately 65000 square feet (6,038.7 m²), the old Village Hall
Village hall
In the United States, a village hall is the seat of government for villages. It functions much as a city hall does within cities.In the United Kingdom, a village hall is usually a building within a village which contains at least one large room, usually owned by and run for the benefit of the local...
which was approximately 14000 square feet (1,300.6 m²) was taken over by the New Lenox Police Department http://www.newlenox.net/. The main level of the building which formerly housed the Village operations was remodeled for police use.
Safe Communities America
On June 8, 2010 the Village of New Lenox was officially designated as the 9th “Safe Community” in the United States. This prestigious designation is bestowed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Safety Council (NSC). The NSC serves as the International Safe Communities Affiliate Support and Certifying Center for the United States.The International Safe Communities movement started over twenty years ago in Sweden. Two hundred communities in 24 countries are currently part of the Safe Communities International Network. To firmly establish and foster a culture of safety throughout the United States, the NSC launched the Safe Communities America initiative in 2007. Based on the WHO International Safe Communities model, this program promotes community-based injury prevention and seeks to engage a broad range of individuals and organizations to work together in a coordinated and collaborative fashion.
Local School Districts
New Lenox School District 122New Lenox School District 122
New Lenox School District 122
New Lenox School District 122 provides primary education services to students in grades kindergarten through 8. The superintendent is Dr. Michael Sass...
provides primary education services to students in grades kindergarten through 8. The superintendent is Dr. Michael Sass. The student body is drawn primarily from the village of New Lenox, Illinois in Will County and surrounding areas.
Elementary schools
- Tyler Elementary School
- Bentley Elementary School
- Haines Elementary School
- Nelson Prairie Elementary School
- Nelson Ridge Elementary School
- Oster-Oakview Elementary School
- Spencer Crossing Elementary School
- Spencer Pointe Elementary School
- St. Jude School (K-8)
Middle schools
- Alex M. Martino Junior High School
- Liberty Junior High School
- St. Jude School
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210
Lincoln-Way Community High School District
Lincoln-Way Community High School District
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 was organized in 1951. The district serves the communities of New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena, Manhattan, and small portions of Tinley Park and Orland Park. Four high schools comprise Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210: Lincoln-Way Central,...
210 was organized in 1951. Today, Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 serves the communities of New Lenox, Frankfort
Frankfort, Illinois
Frankfort is a village in Will and Cook Counties, Illinois, United States. The population was 17,782 at the 2010 census. According to Forbes.com, in 2007 the village ranked as the 36th fastest growing suburb in the United States. - Previous spelling :...
, Mokena
Mokena, Illinois
Mokena is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 14,583 at the 2000 census, with a special census conducted in 2007. The 2007 census showed that the population of the village increased to 18,669 people residing within the corporate limits...
, Manhattan
Manhattan, Illinois
Manhattan is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 6,071 at the 2006 special census. The city is located in northeastern Illinois approximately 50 miles southwest of Chicago.- History :...
, and small portions of Tinley Park
Tinley Park, Illinois
Tinley Park is a village located primarily in Cook County, Illinois, United States with a small portion in Will County. The population was 48,401 at the 2000 census, and 58,322 in the 2007 census. It is one of the fastest growing suburbs south of Chicago...
and Orland Park
Orland Park, Illinois
Orland Park is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States; it also extends slightly into Will County. The population was 56,767 at the 2010 census. The office of the Assistant Village Manager, Ellen Baer, states that the Will County section of Orland Park is industrial while the Cook County...
. There are four comprehensive high schools within the district: Lincoln-Way Central
Lincoln-Way Central High School
Lincoln Way Central High School or LWCHS, is a public four-year high school located approximately 3.5 miles south of Interstate 80 near the intersection of Schoolhouse Rd. and the Lincoln Highway in New Lenox, Illinois, a southwest suburb of Chicago, Illinois, in the United States...
, Lincoln-Way East, Lincoln-Way North
Lincoln-Way North High School
Lincoln-Way North High School or LWN, is a public four-year high school located approximately one mile south of Interstate 80 near the intersection of Harlem Avenue and Vollmer Road in Frankfort Square, Illinois, a southwest suburb of Chicago, in the United States...
, and Lincoln-Way West
Lincoln-Way West High School
Lincoln-Way West High School or LWW, is a public four-year high school located about 1.5 miles south of Lincoln Highway near the intersection of Gougar Rd and the Illinois Highway in New Lenox, Illinois, a southwest suburb of Chicago, Illinois, in the United States...
. Lincoln-Way Central and Lincoln-Way West are located in New Lenox; Lincoln-Way East and Lincoln-Way North are located in Frankfort.
Providence Catholic High School
Providence Catholic High School
Providence Catholic High School
Providence Catholic High School is a Roman Catholic secondary school located in New Lenox, Illinois. Located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet, Providence Catholic is a private school run by the Order of Saint Augustine. The president of Providence is Father Richard McGrath, OSA, with Mr...
is a Roman Catholic secondary school located in New Lenox. Providence Catholic is a private school run by the Order of Saint Augustine. The president of Providence is Father Richard McGrath, OSA, with Mr. Don Sebestyen as its principal.
Located right on historic Lincoln Highway (also part of U.S. Highway 30), the school is perhaps best known throughout the area for its strong academics, football program, and wrestling program. It is also known as one of the few Catholic schools in Illinois that has a self–imposed enrollment limit.
Joliet Junior College
Joliet Junior College
Joliet Junior College
Joliet Junior College , a community college based in Joliet, Illinois, was the first public community college founded in the United States. JJC offers pre-baccalaureate programs for students planning to transfer to a four-year university, as well as occupational education leading directly to...
"JJC", the nation’s first public community college, offers pre-baccalaureate programs for students planning to transfer to a four-year university. New Lenox is within the JJC district and residents are eligible for in-district tuition and fees. JJC has a local Satellite Campus at Lincoln-Way Central High School offering courses to local residents.
Transportation
RailwayThe railway authority in the Chicago suburbs is Metra
Metra
Metra is the commuter rail division of the Illinois Regional Transportation Authority. The system serves Chicago and its metropolitan area through 240 stations on 11 different rail lines. Throughout the 21st century, Metra has been the second busiest commuter rail system in the United States by...
. New Lenox has two Metra commuter rail lines. The Main New Lenox Metra Station
New Lenox (Metra)
New Lenox is a commuter railroad station along Metra's Rock Island District line in New Lenox, a southern suburb of Chicago, Illinois, USA. The station is officially located on 300 North Church Street, and lies away from LaSalle Street, the northern terminus of the line, however parking is...
is located on the corner of U.S. Route 30
U.S. Route 30
U.S. Route 30 is an east–west main route of the system of United States Numbered Highways, with the highway traveling across the northern tier of the country. It is the third longest U.S. route, after U.S. Route 20 and U.S. Route 6. The western end of the highway is at Astoria, Oregon; the...
and Cedar Road. This rail line services towns on Metra's Rock Island
Rock Island District
The Rock Island District is a commuter rail line operated by Metra from Chicago, Illinois, United States, southwest to Joliet. While Metra does not specifically refer to any of its lines by a particular color, the timetable accents for the Rock Island District line are printed in "Rocket Red"...
Line between Joliet Union Station and Chicago's LaSalle Street Station
LaSalle Street Station
LaSalle Street Station is a commuter rail terminal at 414 S. LaSalle Street in downtown Chicago, Illinois, serving Metra's Rock Island District. It was a major intercity rail terminal for the New York Central Railroad until 1968 and the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad until 1978. The...
. New Lenox also has a Metra Station
Laraway Road (Metra)
Laraway Road is a commuter railroad station recently completed in New Lenox, a southern suburb of Chicago, Illinois. The station was dedicated on October 6, 2006, and train service began on October 9, 2006...
located on the corner of Cedar Road and Laraway Road. This rail line services towns on Metra
Metra
Metra is the commuter rail division of the Illinois Regional Transportation Authority. The system serves Chicago and its metropolitan area through 240 stations on 11 different rail lines. Throughout the 21st century, Metra has been the second busiest commuter rail system in the United States by...
's SouthWest Service
SouthWest Service
The SouthWest Service is an American commuter rail line owned and operated by Metra, running southwest from Union Station in downtown Chicago, Illinois, to Manhattan, Illinois...
Line between Manhattan
Manhattan, Illinois
Manhattan is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 6,071 at the 2006 special census. The city is located in northeastern Illinois approximately 50 miles southwest of Chicago.- History :...
and Chicago's Union Station
Union Station (Chicago)
Union Station is a major train station that opened in 1925 in Chicago, replacing an earlier 1881 station. It is now the only intercity rail terminal in Chicago, as well as being the city's primary terminal for commuter trains. The station stands on the west side of the Chicago River between Adams...
.
Major Roads and Highways
New Lenox is located at the junctions of many major roads. U.S. Route 30
U.S. Route 30
U.S. Route 30 is an east–west main route of the system of United States Numbered Highways, with the highway traveling across the northern tier of the country. It is the third longest U.S. route, after U.S. Route 20 and U.S. Route 6. The western end of the highway is at Astoria, Oregon; the...
is the main East to West road through town. The North South streets are Cedar Road, Gougar Road, and Nelson Road. I-80 and I-355, also known as The Veterans Memorial Tollway, pass through New Lenox. These expressways lend to easy transportation to many other major highways and to Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
, Joliet
Joliet, Illinois
Joliet is a city in Will and Kendall Counties in the U.S. state of Illinois, located southwest of Chicago. It is the county seat of Will County. As of the 2010 census, the city was the fourth-most populated in Illinois, with a population of 147,433. It continues to be Illinois' fastest growing...
, Naperville
Naperville, Illinois
Naperville is a city in DuPage and Will Counties in Illinois in the United States, voted the second best place to live in the United States by Money Magazine in 2006. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 141,853. It is the fifth largest city in the state, behind Chicago,...
, Wheaton
Wheaton, Illinois
Wheaton is an affluent community located in DuPage County, Illinois, approximately west of Chicago and Lake Michigan. Wheaton is the county seat of DuPage County...
, Bolingbrook.
I-355 Expansion
Interstate 355Interstate 355
Interstate 355 , also known as the Veterans Memorial Tollway, is an Interstate Highway and tollway in the western and southwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Like most other toll roads in the northeastern portion of the state, I-355 is maintained by a State Highway Authority...
(I-355), also known as Veterans Memorial Tollway, began construction in late 2005 of a $729.3 million 12.5 mile long southern extension of I-355 from I-55 in Bolingbrook to I-80 in New Lenox. Construction was completed on November 11, 2007. Travel times from New Lenox and the surrounding area to more established northwest suburbs such as Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Bolingbrook, etc. are expected to decrease significantly.
Future Growth
The crossroads of I-355, Route 6, and Cedar Road is the future site of two major development projects; Cedar Crossings and Spring Creek Outlets. Cedar Crossings will be constructed at southwest corner of Cedar Road and Route 6, adjacent to Silver Cross Hospital. Cedar Crossings is a proposed 970,000-square-foot retail center to be developed by the Zaremba Group. However, development of Cedar Crossings has been delayed because of the economic downturn.Spring Creek Outlets will be constructed at the northwest corner of the I-355 and Route 6 intersection, across from Silver Cross Hospital. The outlet mall will be a 550,000-square-foot main component of a mixed-used development proposed by Center Creek Development that could also include hotels, senior housing, and restaurants. Center Creek Development announced a new partnership in July 2011 with Urban Retail Properties and Mansur & Company to build, lease, and manage the $225 million project, which could break ground in spring 2012. As of July 2011, Developers were negotiating over 60 leases with potential tenants.
Health Care
Since 1895, Silver Cross Hospital has grown from a 33-bed, two-story hospital into an impressive healthcare network featuring a team of more than 3,000 employees, physicians and volunteers. Renowned for accreditations and awards, Silver Cross is the only hospital in Illinois, and only one of four in the nation, to be named one of the 100 Top Hospitals in the nation for the past 7 consecutive years. To keep pace with the growing population and ensure quality healthcare for the next century, Silver Cross is building a $400 million state-of-the-art replacement hospital at the new I-355 extension in New Lenox. Relocating February 26, 2012 from Joliet, the replacement hospital brings services from Children’s Memorial Hospital, the Rehabilitation Institute of ChicagoRehabilitation Institute of Chicago
The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago , ranked the "#1 Rehabilitation in America" by U.S. News & World Report every year since 1991 is a rehabilitation hospital located in Chicago, Illinois, United States. It also operates a network of alliance hospitals and outpatient and day rehabilitation...
(RIC) – the #1 Rehabilitation Hospital in the Nation, and the University of Chicago Medical Center. The 289-patient rooms will be private and able to accommodate today’s medical technology, ultimately
reducing unnecessary transfers and the risk of infection and injury. The hospital’s design will create efficiencies between departments and promote an environment that helps patients heal faster. The new 76-acre New Lenox campus also includes medical office buildings which are already open and home to the Silver Cross Center for Women’s Health, a 4-story outpatient medical services building, and a state-of-the-art cancer center—in partnership with University of Chicago Medical Center.
Arts and Entertainment
The CommonsIn 2005 the Village opened the Commons anchored by the Performing Arts Pavilion. The Commons became the new home to the Village’s annual 4th of July celebration and quickly developed into a focal point for festivals, Chamber events, and stage performances. The Village organizes a Summer Performing Arts Program including a series of free concerts and family movie nights. Each year the Village hosts the Triple Play Concert Series featuring national recording artists performing on three different dates each summer. The 2011 Triple Play headline performers were Starship starring Mickey Thomas, Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick is an American rock band from Rockford, Illinois, formed in 1973. The band consists of members Robin Zander , Rick Nielsen , Tom Petersson , and Bun E...
, and REO Speedwagon
REO Speedwagon
REO Speedwagon is an American rock band. Formed in 1967, the band grew in popularity during the 1970s and peaked in the early 1980s. Hi Infidelity is the group's most commercially successful album, selling over ten million copies and charting four Top 40 hits in the US...
. Attendance at the concerts has grown each year to a sell-out capacity. Local restaurants feature favorite menu items for sale during the concerts.
Lincoln-Way High Schools'
Lincoln-Way High Schools’ state-of-the-art performing arts centers provide yet another opportunity for the community to enjoy the arts in their own back yard. Featuring a full schedule including the Spotlight Series, Senior Series and Children's Series, there promises to be something for everyone. The acclaimed Curtain Call Community Theatre features many local performers and hosts two productions annually at Lincoln-Way.
Outdoors
New Lenox features the Sanctuary Golf Course. Sanctuary has been rated by the Golf Chicago magazine as a "Best Buy" and is considered by many to be the best golfing value in the Chicagoland area. Bordering the west end of New Lenox and Joliet is Woodruff Golf Course. Opened in 1926, Woodruff is a scenic, well-manicured course with sweeping elevation changes and small greens.
The New Lenox French Market made its debut in 2011. The Market runs late spring through October and offers fresh produce and fruit, hanging baskets, perennials and potted herbs, gourmet cheeses, dips, candies and sauces, bake goods, fresh coffee and much more. Festivals and various other events play an important role in family culture and entertainment. The Park District plays host to the Village’s annual Proud American Days festival the last weekend in July. The Annual Kids Fest includes a day filled with fun activities just for kids. The Chamber’s Halloween Parade & Costume Contest features frightful fun for hundreds of area families.
During the Summer of 2011 (July 7th and 8th), Lincoln-Way Central hosted the New Lenox All-Star Experience presented by Mayor Tim Baldermann which included a Dwayne Wade Skills Academy camp, a Devin Hester
Devin Hester
Devin Hester is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Miami, where he became the first person in the university’s recent history to play in all three phases of American football...
football camp, a Jim Peterik
Jim Peterik
Jim Peterik is an American musician and songwriter. He is best known as a member of the band Survivor and as vocalist and songwriter of the hit song "Vehicle" by The Ides of March...
band camp, as well as the Annual Kids Fest.
Semi-Pro Football
The Lincoln-Way Patriots are part of the Mid States Football League and play throughout the Lincoln-Way area.
Nearby Entertainment
The Rialto Square Theatre
Rialto Square Theatre
The Rialto Square Theatre is a theater in the Joliet, Illinois suburb of Chicago. Opening in 1926, it was originally designed and operated as a vaudeville movie palace, but it now houses mainly musicals, plays, concerts, and standup comedy.It is also available for public and private functions...
located just six miles to the west in Joliet, is a true gem in the Southwest Suburbs. Performing arts lovers will find anything and everything at the Rialto, from ballet to bridal expos, comedy to cooking classes, travel cinema to tap dance and everything in-between.
Chicagoland Speedway
Chicagoland Speedway
Chicagoland Speedway is a tri-oval speedway in Joliet, Illinois, USA, southwest of Chicago. The speedway opened in 2001 and currently hosts NASCAR racing including the opening event in the 2011 Chase for the Sprint Cup. Until 2011, the speedway also hosted the IZOD IndyCar Series, recording...
in Joliet with Indy Car, NASCAR and Chicagoland ARCA series races brings thousands of tourists to the region each season. New Lenox dining and retail establishments provide an array of specials and promotions to welcome fans.
Also in nearby Joliet, the Joliet Slammers
Joliet Slammers
The Joliet Slammers are a professional baseball team based in Joliet, Illinois, that play in the independent Frontier League. They play their home games at Silver Cross Field in Joliet. They replaced the Joliet JackHammers of the Northern League after the franchise was crippled by numerous...
play minor league baseball at the state-of-the-art Silver Cross Field, providing clean, family entertainment in a safe environment. Baseball fans may also enjoy attending a Will County CrackerJacks game. The CrackerJacks are a summer collegiate baseball club based in Will County and are members of the Midwest Collegiate League.
Parks and Trails
The New Lenox Park District maintains 35 parks and athletic fields comprising 569 acres; while also utilizing 14 facilities throughout New Lenox.New Lenox also offers a number of paved asphalt and crushed gravel trails. Old Plank Road Trail
Old Plank Road Trail
The Old Plank Road Trail is a long public rail trail in Cook County and Will County within the U.S. state of Illinois. It stretches westward from Chicago Heights to Joliet, serving fast-growing suburbs such as Frankfort and New Lenox.-Its history:...
is a 21-mile asphalt hiking and biking nature trail that travels through the heart of New Lenox with many access points to include access at the Village Hall in the Commons. The Hickory Creek State Nature Preserve provides a 2.8-mile asphalt hiking and biking nature trail as well as access to the historic one-room Schmuhl School Museum on the southeast corner of Route 30 and Schoolhouse Road, which is owned and operated by the New Lenox Historical Society. Additionally, the Hadley Valley Preserve offers a unique 4.85-mile crushed Spring Creek Greenway Trail that welcomes pedestrians and equestrians.
Notable Residents
- Ned GrabavoyNed GrabavoyNed Grabavoy is an American soccer player who currently plays for Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer.-Youth and College:Grabavoy played his youth soccer with the Chicago Magic Soccer Club under coach Mike Matkovich....
is an MLS midfielder, currently playing for Real Salt LakeReal Salt LakeReal Salt Lake is an American professional soccer club based in Sandy, Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City. The team competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. They currently play their home games at Rio Tinto Stadium. Real Salt Lake won...
. On November 22, 2009, Ned helped Real Salt Lake win the 2009 MLS Cup by scoring a penalty kick in a 5-4 penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw. - Rob NinkovichRob NinkovichRobert Michael Ninkovich is an American football linebacker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue.Ninkovich has also played for the Miami Dolphins.-Early...
is an NFL defensive end, currently playing for the New England PatriotsNew England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
. - Eric SteinbachEric SteinbachEric Steinbach is an American football player who currently plays for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round in the 2003 NFL draft. He played college football for the University of Iowa.-High School years:Steinbach is a...
is an NFL offensive lineman, currently playing for the Cleveland BrownsCleveland BrownsThe Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. - Renee KoselRenee KoselRenée Kosel is a Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 81st district since 1997 and crrently serving as an Assistant Republican Leader...
is a Republican member of the Illinois House of RepresentativesIllinois House of RepresentativesThe Illinois House of Representatives is the lower house of the Illinois General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Illinois. The body was created by the first Illinois Constitution adopted in 1818. The state House of Representatives is made of 118 representatives elected from...
serving the 81st legislative district. - Mike Hainzinger is the star of the video series Chinese with Mike, a popular Website to learn Mandarin Chinese.
Important People
- Harry E. Anderson: A United States Marine Corps, who was the first casualty of World War II from Will County. http://vfwpost9545.org/. In Harry's honor, New Lenox named a VFW Post after him.
- Jacob M. Lowell: A soldier from New Lenox who fought in Afganistan; died on June 2, 2007. http://militarytimes.com/valor/army-spc-jacob-m-lowell/2819446/. In Jacob's honor, New Lenox named a park after him.
- Ron "Papa" Schaper was the founder/director of the New Lenox Mustang football and cheerleading leagues; died on February 14, 2010. In Ron's honor, New Lenox gave him honorary signs along Joliet Highway.
Taxing Bodies
Residents in New Lenox receive services from and are generally taxed by the following taxing bodies:- Joliet Junior CollegeJoliet Junior CollegeJoliet Junior College , a community college based in Joliet, Illinois, was the first public community college founded in the United States. JJC offers pre-baccalaureate programs for students planning to transfer to a four-year university, as well as occupational education leading directly to...
http://www.jjc.cc.il.us/ - New Lenox Community Park District
- New Lenox Fire Protection DistrictNew Lenox Fire Protection DistrictThe New Lenox Fire District provides quality fire protection, emergency medical services, and specialized rescue to 45,000 residents across 36 square miles.- History :...
- New Lenox Public Library District
- New Lenox Public Library Bonds
- New Lenox Township Road Fund
- Lincoln-Way Community High School DistrictLincoln-Way Community High School DistrictLincoln-Way Community High School District 210 was organized in 1951. The district serves the communities of New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena, Manhattan, and small portions of Tinley Park and Orland Park. Four high schools comprise Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210: Lincoln-Way Central,...