West Dundee steeped in historic charm
West Dundee, a charming community on the Fox River, is known for its quaint downtown and historic homes.
With ongoing improvements in its downtown district, you'll see attractive facades and new, exciting businesses coming in, said Tamara O'Connor, real estate agent with Premier Living Properties in South Elgin.
"People come from all over to go to the new two-story bridal shop in town; there's everything from restaurants to an old blacksmith shop and old-time candy store. And the new urban lofts above Spa Bleu are really neat.
"West Dundee has all kinds of shopping -- the little downtown shops, Spring Hill Mall and all the great shopping on Randall Road," O'Connor said.
Housing stock in West Dundee features smaller homes, beautiful old buildings and big mansions with prices all over the place, said Fran Dugo, real estate agent with Your Choice Real Estate Services in West Dundee. "One of my listings was a historic home built by the Pinkerton family right on Main Street."
Designated historical sites include some of the elegant houses on Oregon Avenue. The Mansion, a restored Victorian bed and breakfast, was once an iron ore baron's 1907 private residence. It maintains the original stained-glass windows and woodwork. Other restored buildings in town provided refuge for slaves on the Underground Railroad.
West Dundee's historic charm mixes with newer commercial and residential development.
With its completion in 1980, Spring Hill Mall boosted the town's economy, created new jobs and drew new subdivisions to the village.
"The farther west you go, you see brand new subdivisions with housing all across the board. They can go way up in price," O'Connor said. "Homes in Carrington Reserve on one-quarter to one-half acre lots by Pulte Homes on Randall Road run in the $400,000 range, while homes on one-acre lots in Frontenac off Route 31 go for over $1 million.
"West Dundee reminds me of when I was a kid in the old neighborhood; no matter what part you are in, it's a neighborhood community. People get together. They walk. They're always outside talking to each other. Neighbors get together. It's a beautiful town, it really is," O'Connor said.
There's not a high turnover in West Dundee; people generally stay in the community. Buyers who want a new home go to the new subdivisions farther west, and those who like the old town feeling will go to old West Dundee. Residents in many neighborhoods can walk downtown, O'Connor said.
For recreation, West Dundee's Riverwalk is a popular destination. It's a great place to walk along the river, have lunch, feed the ducks, and it's connected to the walks and parks. There are a couple restaurants right on the river, Dugo said.
The Dundee Township Park District operates two golf courses, Randall Oaks Golf Club just west of Randall Road in West Dundee and the Bonnie Dundee Golf Club in Carpentersville. It also maintains several small parks down by the river as well as neighborhood parks.
The Fox River, along the village's eastern border, separates West Dundee from its neighbor East Dundee. Although the towns have attempted to come together over the years, they still remain separate. Each town's identity dates back to earlier days when West Dundee's Scottish and English heritage kept it apart from its German neighbors.
The Dundee Township Historical Society in West Dundee offers several events throughout the year. The historic house walk on the third Saturday of September is a major fundraiser for the society. The house walk alternates every other year with the cemetery walk. The Historical Society Museum highlights a former famous resident, detective Allan Pinkerton, which is of special interest to history lovers. The museum has permanent and changing exhibits.
Students who live in West Dundee attend Dundee Township Area Unit District 300 schools, while Elgin Community College and Judson College are easily accessible for higher education. Some private schools serve the community.
Dugo gives West Dundee rave reviews. "It's a great family-oriented, friendly community with a lot to do and a great park district."
Historical timeline
1832: West Dundee history began with the end of the Blackhawk War
1835: Elder John and Nancy Oatman established a tavern and a store that became the core of the community
1837: Alexander Gardiner won lottery to name the town Dundee in honor of his Scottish hometown
1843: Scotsman Allan Pinkerton, later the renowned detective, set up business as a cooper
1855: D. Hill Nursery founded by William Hill
1887: West Dundee incorporated
1980: Spring Hill Mall completed
2001: "Road to Perdition" with Tom Hanks filmed in several Chicago area locations, including Main Street in West Dundee
Village facts and figures
Population: 7,278
Largest employers:
Sears
J.C. Penney
Macy's
Tamara O'Connor
Premier Living Properties, South Elgin
Call: (847) 888-4991
E-mail: tamara@plproperties.com
Selling in West Dundee: 20 years
Favorite hangout: Emmett's Tavern & Brewing Co.
Fran Dugo
Your Choice Real Estate Services, West Dundee
Call: (847) 426-7899
E-mail: frandugo@comcast.net
Selling in West Dundee: 6 years
Favorite hangout: Riverwalk