When Metra added the North Central commuter rail line in the mid 1990s and added Vernon Hills to the list of stops. it opened a direct transportation corridor between the village and downtown Chicago.
Rich Klicki/rklicki@dailyherald.com
It's amazing how much can change in 30 years.
It was roughly that long ago that I was handed the role of Lake County editor, managing a group of then-young reporters in a fairly new territory for the Daily Herald. Our base was a storefront office in a shopping center in Vernon Hills, which at the time was in its adolescence of growth.
I remember looking south from the office across Townline Road toward the vast properties, devoid of any development at the time, but offering lot of potential. To the north, our reporters were filing stories about the future of the equally vast land owned by the prominent Cuneo family, and the battle between Vernon Hills and Libertyville over who would control the property's future.
At the time, Vernon Hills was primarily known for the shopping mecca of Hawthorn Mall, as well as its moderately-priced housing. The 1980 census put the town's population at 9,827 people, according to the village's website.
That small town with a mall grew into a vibrant suburb of 25,113 with a healthy mix of homes, business and recreational facilities.
Known primarily for its retail hub and affordable housing back in the '80s, Vernon Hills has grown up in a healthy balance of homes, commercial and open space.
What had been massive open lands south and east of the village back in the '80s has been annexed and developed into mix of commercial and recreational facilities, including the unique Vernon Hills Arbortheater.
Rich Klicki/rklicki@dailyherald.com
With the development of new commercial sites like the Continental Executive Parke, the village has been able to expand its corporate presence in Lake County.
Rich Klicki/rklicki@dailyherald.com
Hawthorn Mall, at the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue and Townline Road, is the cornerstone of the village's massive retail presence.
Rich Klicki/rklicki@dailyherald.com
Hawthorn Mall was built on the old Hawthorn-Mellody Farms property.
Rich Klicki/rklicki@dailyherald.com
The Daily Herald's Lake County office was located in this shopping center along Townline Road in the '80s and '90s. It is now occupied by Aroma Indian Cuisine Restaurant.
Rich Klicki/rklicki@dailyherald.com
One of my favorite lunchtime activities was running along the village's many walking trails, like the Century Park trail that circles Big Bear Lake.
Rich Klicki/rklicki@dailyherald.com
Some things don't change over time. Rust-Oleum Corp. is one of Vernon Hills' oldest corporate residents.
Rich Klicki/rklicki@dailyherald.com
The Deerpath Park walking trail provides another great place for recreation.
Rich Klicki/rklicki@dailyherald.com
Once the site of a Cold War-era missile defense network, the FAA's VORTAC radar system - used to assist aircraft landing at O'Hare International Airport - sticks out among the athletic fields at the village's southeast end.
Rich Klicki/rklicki@dailyherald.com
The Vernon Hills Arbortheater.
Rich Klicki/rklicki@dailyherald.com
The Vernon Hills Athletic Complex.
Rich Klicki/rklicki@dailyherald.com
With the development in the '90s came a high school the village could call its own: Vernon Hills High School
Rich Klicki/rklicki@dailyherald.com
Technology company CDW - one of the village's largest employers - bases its operations in Vernon Hills.
Rich Klicki/rklicki@dailyherald.com
Thirty years ago, the 1,200-acre Hawthorne-Mellody Farms, owned by the Cuneo family, separated Vernon Hills from Libertyville. The village won an annexation fight with its neighbor, and the property has been developed it into an array of upscale communities and a golf course. The landmark pink mansion that was the Cuneo family residence is now a part of Loyola University.
Rich Klicki/rklicki@dailyherald.com