History of Schaumburg
“Progress Through Thoughtful Planning”
Created By: Luke Liu, Rutvik Shah, Samuel Shore, Dan Murphy, Ryan
Jasinski, Suman Venkataswamy, Julie Serwy, Shazia Sarwar, Matthew
Tyrpin, Vishal Naik, Aimen Alam
Population Through 1950
140
120
100
80
Population
60
40
20
0
1950's
1960's
1970's
1980's
1990's
21st
Century
1950’s
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First board meeting- March 7th
1956.
1956- Northwest Tollway was
constructed.
Louis Redeker is elected
Schaumburg’s first village
president.
At the time of incorporation
(1956), the Village of
Schaumburg consisted of two
square miles and had a
population of 130 people.
In 1959, the Campenelli brothers
began construction of the first
large residential subdivision in
Schaumburg.
The military base at O’Hare field was
converted into a major airfield in
1955.
Bob Atcher
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Schaumburg’s second Mayor
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Elected in 1959
Served for 16 years
Without doubt, he is one of
the greatest citizens in
Schaumburg’s history.
Bob Atcher pushed for the
incorporation of Schaumburg
prior to 1956.
Married to Maggie Atcher.
Was once a charismatic
singing cowboy.
Retired in 1989 with Maggie
Atcher.
Population Through 1960’s
1200
1000
800
600
Population
400
200
0
1950's
1960's
1970's
1980's
1990's
21st
Century
1960’s
“A place where families could work, shop, attend school, and enjoy cultural
and recreational activities”
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The per capita income in 1969 was
$3,755
1960- Martin Conroy became the first
village employee
In 1961, the Village of Schaumburg
Center shortened its name to
Developed in the late 1960’s, the Town Square
Schaumburg
Shopping Center was designed with an old fashioned
Schaumburg Women’s Club is
theme.
incorporated in 1961
Schaumburg’s first jail was built in
September 5th 1963
The Schaumburg Township District
Library system was founded in 1963
1964- Schaumburg air port is
annexed
Boy’s baseball League play begins in
Roselle Airfield before annexation in 1964
1965
1960’s
“A place where families could work, shop,
attend school, and enjoy cultural
and recreational activities”
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1964- Schaumburg air
park is annexed.
Boy’s baseball League play
begins in 1965.
The Department of Health
was created in 1966.
The Department of Health
was created in 1966.
Schaumburg Jaycees
founded in 1966.
Bob Atcher & Alfred Campanelli working to
lay out a plan for Schaumburg communities.
1967- Motorola constructs its world
headquarters in Schaumburg
1960’s
“A place where families could work, shop,
attend school, and enjoy cultural
and recreational activities”
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1967- Pritzker Family and
Centex Corporation acquire 587
acres of land in what is now
called Spectrum Industrial Park.
1967- the International Village
apartment complex opened as
Schaumburg's first multiplefamily housing development.
The YMCA was founded in 1968.
the Harper College campus is
completed in 1969.
Construction on Woodfield Mall
began in 1969.
Housing boomed in the 1960’s
Mayor Bob Atcher fulfills his dream of a
“suburban downtown.”
Population Through 1970
20000
18000
16000
14000
12000
10000
Population
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
1950's
1960's
1970's
1980's
1990's
21st
Century
Ellsworth Meineke
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One of Schaumburg’s founding fathers.
Dedicated naturalist.
In 1973, he worked hard to pass a
referendum that included funds for acquiring
lands in Spring Valley and convinced his
friend Bob Atcher to commit $100,000
towards additional land purchases.
In 1974, the Spring Valley Nature club was
formed, and was Ellsworth Meineke’s
brainchild.
The Meineke Recreational Center is named
after him.
1970’s
Fulfilling the dream of the original
founders.
Schaumburg becomes a great
municipality!
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Population: 18,730
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The population grew by
1899.5 percent from the last
decade.
Schaumburg High school is
established in 1970.
Interstate 290 is built in 1970.
Ellsworth Meineke plants seeds
for Spring valley.
Schaumburg Festival of Arts
raises funds for community
theatre.
Friendship Village is founded
in 1974.
Since 1971, Schaumburg Residents have
enjoyed Septemberfest, held over labor
day weekend.
Apartments played a key role in the
planning of Schaumburg.
1970’s
We Have come
a long way!
Schaumburg becomes a great
municipality!
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By 1974, the population has
doubled from roughly 18
thousand to 36 thousand
Harper College becomes
accredited in 1971
Schaumburg Municipal center
is completed in 1974
Ordinance # 1095.
The Schaumburg Athletic
Association is formed in 1975
1978- The Village Board
established the Olde
Schaumburg Centre Overlay
District
Schaumburg
& Roselle
before
incorporation.
Schaumburg
&
Roselle
(1970)
Schaumburg
Municipal
Center
finished in
1974.
1970’s
Schaumburg becomes a great municipality!
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Public Safety Building ground is broken
in 1975
It was completed in 1976
John Coste is first Village Manager
In 1977, Olde Schaumburg Centre
historic district formed at the
intersection of Roselle and Schaumburg
In 1978, over 2 million square feet is
approved for office development
Fire station #3 is dedicated in 1979
ground is broken on Park District
recreation complex is 1979
Lloyd Abrahamsen was hired
in 1970 to take charge of an
all volunteer force. He
became Schaumburg’s first
fire chief.
Population Through 1980
60000
50000
40000
30000
Population
20000
10000
0
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
21st
Century
1980’s
Growth and prosperity!
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Population: 53,305
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Between the 70’s and 80’s,
Schaumburg experienced its
largest population boom,
increasing by 34,575
people.
1983- The 3rd Street Theater
is closed down.
Schaumburg Establishes
sister relationship with
Schaumburg, Germany.
1987- Al Larson is elected
Village President.
Theaters built inside
Woodfield mall. They closed
in 2000.
The Woodfield Corporate
Center, completed in 1986
Al Larson, center, is our
Village President today.
1980’s
Growth and prosperity!
Schaumburg’s Town Center as it was in 1985
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The Schaumburg Golf Club, formerly
known as Golden Acres, was purchased
in 1989.
1980 – Comprehensive bikeways
program begun.
1981 – Schaumburg Park District
Recreation Center opens.
1982 – Commuter railroad station
opens.
1983 – Construction begins on
Schaumburg senior citizen housing
complex.
Bob and Maggie Atcher retiring in 1989
1980’s
Growth and prosperity!
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Village begins broadcasting on
Cablenet Channel 63 in 1984.
Northwest Toll way Interchange at
Roselle Road opens in 1985.
Schaumburg Prairie Center for the
Arts is completed in 1986.
Village annexes the 480 acre Odlum
Farm property on the west side of
the village.
The Schaumburg Sister Cities
Commission has facilitated a
number of exchanges between
Schaumburg and Schaumburg
Lippe
Population Through 1990
80000
70000
60000
50000
40000
Population
30000
20000
10000
0
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
21st
Century
1990’s
Prosperity through Expansion!
Schaumburg Municipal Helistop is opened.
Medieval times opens in 1991.
The Elgin O’Hare Expressway opened in
1993.
Population and commercial growth slowed,
but still enjoyed substantial expansion.
 The Village finalized the purchase of the
Town Square shopping center in 1995,
allowing for redevelopment.
Village renovates and re-opens Schaumburg
Regional Airport.
Racial composition of Schaumburg in 1990
90.6% Caucasian
6.4% Asian
2.2% African American
0.8% Other
1990’s
Prosperity through Expansion!
 Ikea opens a 458,000 foot store in
the Woodfield Regional Center in the
late 1990’s.
The Municipal Center was renamed
the Robert O. Atcher Center in 1995.
Al Larson is re-elected Village
President in 1995.
Schaumburg Establishes sister city
relationship with Namerikawa,
Japan.
Formerly Roselle Field, the Village of
Schaumburg purchased it and it was
renovated into Schaumburg Regional
airport in 1995
1990’s
Prosperity through Expansion!
 Roosevelt University opens its
Robins Campus in old Unocal
headquarters
1997- One Schaumburg Place
begins remodeling and changes
name to Streets of Woodfield
 1995- The Illinois Art Institute at
Schauaumburg joined the Art
Institutes organization
Opened in 1998, the Schaumburg Township
District Library is 166,500 square feet and is
the cornerstone of Town Square.
Schaumburg Flyers
 Officially organized in 1998
 Alexian Field began construction in 1998
 On July 23rd, the team was named at a
“name the team” party
 They are preparing to play their 8th season
this spring
 In September of 2002 Jim Rushford
becomes first ex Flyer to reach the Major
Leagues. Rushford debuted at Wrigley Field
for the Milwaukee Brewers.
 Manager: Andy McCauley
Pitching Coach: Brett Gray
Coach: Bruce Gray
Population Through 2000
90000
80000
70000
60000
50000
Population
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
1950's
1960's
1970's
1980's
1990's
21st
Century
21st Century
A Community, and great place to live!
2000- The village purchased
45 acres of land at the
northeast corner of
Interstate 90 and Meacham
road.
 65% of Schaumburg’s
income comes from sales tax.
 32% of Schaumburg’s
revenues goes towards the
Police Department.
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Woodfield trolley service is
offered in Woodfield regional
center starting in 2000.
 The Street Rehabilitation
Program is completed in
2004.
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Caucasians
African
Americans
Asian
Latino
Asian Indian
Other
Racial demographics have become more diverse
by the 21st century:
78.8% Caucasian
14.2% Asian
3.4% African American
5.3% Latino
6.5 Asian Indian
3.7% Other
21st Century
A Community, and great place to live!
 The windy point and Wood field preserve
office buildings were constructed in 2000.
 In 2002, Schaumburg fire engines were
upgraded for Advanced Life support.
 An American Celebration concert and
fireworks show was held at Alexian Field in
2003.
The Volkening Farm, recently vacated,
was used for a training facility.
 District 54 pushes to put 100 books in every
classroom.
 2003 Saw Schaumburg’s largest Farmer’s
Market ever, featuring 23 vendors.
 School District 211 passes a referendum in
2005.
Weather
District 211
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High school education in the PalatineSchaumburg Township area began in
1875, with the first graduating class in
1877
Schaumburg High school opened in 1970
On October 19, 1974, district residents
approved a $22 million referendum which
provided funds for a sixth high school
and upgrades
1993-1994
Presidential Blue Ribbon Award for
Excellence in Education
District 54
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1954- Schaumburg formed
elementary school district 54
21 Elementary schools
5 Junior High schools
Superintendent- Ed Rafferty
Staff of 1,500, including 1,100
certified teachers
Student teacher ratio: 14:1
District 15 also covers areas of
Schaumburg
The District 54 school board- 2005:
Peggy Brothman (President), Bill Harper
(Vice President) , Charlotte Kegarise
(Secretary), Melissa Hutchinson, Barbara
Hengels, Teresa Huber, and Karen
Strykowski
Schaumburg Park District
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Incorporated in 1963
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Parks and picnic areas totaling over 1000
acres
5 aquatic facilities
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local government entity completely separate
from any other governmental authority
Atcher Island, Waterworks, and Meineke are
the most popular
4 fitness centers, the CRC, Meineke, Sport
Center, and Tennis Plus
Golf- Schaumburg Gold Club and Walnut
greens
Several athletics leagues including lacrosse,
baseball, soccer, and softball
53 outdoor fields and many recreational
opportunities
Board of Commissioners:
Robert Schmidt, Second Vice
President; David Johnson,
Nancy Wroblewski, Treasurer;
George Longmeyer, President;
Mike Daniels, Secretary.
Spring Valley Nature Center
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Founded in 1974 By Ellsworth Meineke
135 acres of fields, forests, marshes and
streams.
3 miles of handicapped-accessible hiking
trails and a museum with natural history
displays and information.
The Vera Meineke Nature Center
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An Earth sheltered passive solar visitor
center
Natural history library
The Nature Club is a non-profit service
organization that supports Spring Valley
financially and promotes environmental
education
Schaumburg’s Future
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Schaumburg is expected to grow to a
population of nearly 84,000 with an
employment force of 130,000 by the
year 2020
Projections indicate Schaumburg will
contain 33,900 housing units,
11,700,000 square feet of retail and
commercial area, 18,000,000 square
feet of office space, and over
15,600,000 square feet of industrial
space
The Renaissance center, to be
completed July 2006