Oakbrook Terrace was first known as Utopia in the 1880s.
Marni Pyke/mpyke@dailyherald.com
Oakbrook Terrace has aimed for perfection since 1881, when the town was dubbed Utopia.
What once was farms and the site of a thriving creamery and cheese factory experienced a growth spurt after World War II when families began moving to the new subdivisions being built in the 1950s.
The city was renamed Oakbrook Terrace in 1959 and is now a mix of residential, businesses and retail in one small package. The city is just 2 miles square with a population of about 2,134, according to the U.S. Census.
The skyline is dominated by Helmut Jahn's Oakbrook Terrace Tower and that commercial aspect continues with major headquarters such as the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and the Joint Commission on health care accreditation located in town.
Entertainment is another facet of Oakbrook Terrace with the popular Drury Lane Theatre showcasing Broadway musicals, an off-track betting site, and upscale restaurants, including Ditka's.
But turn off the main drag and you'll find quiet neighborhoods with parks and a nature center. Located just off bustling Roosevelt Road is Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery, a place for reflection with architectural gems such as the Hippach Memorial Chapel, built in 1926.
We recently spent some time exploring Oakbrook Terrace, taking photographs of some well-known and not-so-well-known spots.
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The Oakbrook Terrace Park District's Lake View Nature Center features some live animals and special exhibits.
Marni Pyke/mpyke@dailyherald.com
Oakbrook Terrace is home to seven hotels.
Marni Pyke/mpyke@dailyherald.com
Two World War II icons meet in this Oakbrook Terrace neighborhood. President Dwight "Ike" Eisenhower commanded forces in Europe and Adm. Chester W. Nimitz led the Pacific fleet.
Marni Pyke/mpyke@dailyherald.com
Oakbrook Terrace Mayor Tony Ragucci might be on hand to say "hello," if you visit city hall.
Marni Pyke/mpyke@dailyherald.com
The Oakbrook Terrace Police Department has 19 sworn officers.
Marni Pyke/mpyke@dailyherald.com
Although only two miles square, Oakbrook Terrace is home to national headquarters, such as the Joint Commission on health care accreditation.
Marni Pyke/mpyke@dailyherald.com
The Oakbrook Terrace Tower, a 31-story structure designed by Helmut Jahn, is the tallest building in the suburbs.
Marni Pyke/mpyke@dailyherald.com
Thousands have been transported by Drury Lane Theatre's shows over the years.
Marni Pyke/mpyke@dailyherald.com
Iconic Chicago Bear's former coach Mike Ditka established a namesake popular restaurant in Oakbrook Terrace.
Marni Pyke/mpyke@dailyherald.com
Kreml Park in Oakbrook Terrace offers scenic walks.
Marni Pyke/mpyke@dailyherald.com
Hippach Memorial Chapel in Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery in Oakbrook Terrace features sculptures by Richard Bock, who collaborated with Frank Lloyd Wright.
Marni Pyke/mpyke@dailyherald.com
Terrace View Park features a playground right next to a nature center in Oakbrook Terrace.
Marni Pyke/mpyke@dailyherald.com
Bella Bianca Bridal Couture is located along bustling Roosevelt Road in Oakbrook Terrace.
Marni Pyke/mpyke@dailyherald.com
A depiction of the Last Supper commands attention at Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery in Oakbrook Terrace.
Marni Pyke/mpyke@dailyherald.com
You can try your luck at this Off Track Betting location at 22nd Street and Midwest Road in Oakbrook Terrace.
Marni Pyke/mpyke@dailyherald.com
The Versailles complex in Oakbrook Terrace features upscale apartments.
Marni Pyke/mpyke@dailyherald.com