Willowbrook, IL

Willowbrook is a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. The population was 48,814 at the 2010 census. Willowbrook is located in Cook County and is bordered by Willow Springs to the north, Palos Hills to the east, Rosemont to the south and Orland Park to the west.

The history of Willowbrook can be traced back to 1892 when a group of farmers from Indiana settled in what is now known as Willow Springs. The area was originally called "Willow Grove." In 1902, a post office was established and named after Will Rogers' home town of Willowspring, Texas. In 1909, a small community center was built which served as both a school and community hall. The first subdivision in Willowbrook was developed in 1922 when land on both sides of Route 59 (now known as Roosevelt Road) were subdivided into lots for sale.

In 1923, Sears Roebuck opened its first store in Willowbrook which helped spur further development. By 1930 there were over 1,000 residents living in the township. During World War II many servicemen stationed at nearby O'Hare Airport moved into Willowbrook making it one of the fastest growing suburbs in Chicago during that time period.

In 1957 construction began on Interstate 55 which bisected Willowbrook creating two separate communities; one on each side of I-55 ( Orland Park on the north side and Palos Hills on the south side). This development led to an increase in population which continued through the 1970s and 1980s with new subdivisions being developed along major thoroughfares such as Touhy Avenue and Dempster Street (now part of Interstate 57).

Today, Willowbrook continues to grow with new developments being constructed near major transportation hubs such as Metra's Union Pacific Northwest Line at Orland Park Station and Metra's Union Pacific West Line at Rosemont Station (both stations are within walking distance from each other). Additionally, retail stores such as Barnes & Noble have recently opened locations within walking distance from residential neighborhoods making it easier for residents to access shopping opportunities without having to drive into downtown Chicago or neighboring suburbs such as Oak Lawn or Elmhurst.