One of the fastest growing towns in Illinois today is Huntley, located on I-90 and Illinois Rt. 47. The growth is being fed by Chicagoland's continuing outward growth. It really got a boost with the construction of the outlet mall and then Dell Webb built a huge retirement village there that continues to grow. Now, Il-47 is dotted with numerous new subdivisions.
Naturally, traffic congestion is nothing short of horrible (we use Il-47 as a way to bypass Chicago when going south to Route 66 or the Lincoln Highway). They have one stoplight in particular that causes problems by the road into the old part of town. Be prepared to wait and wait some more.
We used to consider Huntley as being way out in the country until we once drove Algonquin Road from the city of the same name and found nothing but strip malls and subdivisions for most of the way. And that was about ten years ago.
Fortunately, there is a group interested in keeping as much of the "old" town as possible called the Huntley Preservation Commission which, even when unsuccessful with obtaining historic district status for the downtown, is now shooting for historic area.
To create a historic district, 51% of the people in the proposed boundaries must sign on. There are 40 along Woodstock Street from the post office to the famous Dairy Mart on Il-47.
The Dairy Mart is not really considered a historic building, but I can tell you it bears absolutely no resemblance to any major chain and some might even call it messy. But it is very intertwined with the community. Resident Catherine O'Connor said, "A Little League game would not be complete without a trip there."
Future widening of Il-47 from two to four lanes (and believe me, this is very necessary) could take some of the Dairy Mart's parking. Current owner Steve Grechis believes the structure was built in 1955.
From weeklyjournals.com
We've eaten at the Dairy Mart and the food and shakes are fantastic. It's always crowded.
Let's Keep the Dairy Mart. --RoadDog
RoadDog's RoadLog Blog: Being my travels down those great two lane highways of this nation as well as news I learn about them from media sources. Since I'm also very interested in historic preservation, there will be a lot of that as well.
The Shamrock Court Motel in Sullivan, Missouri. It can be yours for $125,000. Lots of possibilities. Actually, now you're too late. Missouri's Roamin' Rich bought it.
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