The West Dundee riverwalk gives pedestrians the chance to experience one of the village's most treasured assets and most important recreational areas: The Fox River.
Lauren Rohr/lrohr@dailyherald.com
With a quaint, historic downtown on the east and a flourishing corporate park on the west, West Dundee has long been dedicated to economic growth while maintaining its small-town charm.
Though officially incorporated in 1887, the history of the Fox Valley community dates back to 1835 with the establishment of a tavern and store by Elder John and Nancy Oatman. Several years later, settlers held a lottery to determine who would name the town. The winner, Scotsman Alexander Gardiner, dubbed it "Dundee" in honor of his hometown.
Throughout the years, development kept the Kane County community thriving. D. Hill Nursery, which originally specialized in fruit trees, eventually employed thousands, ran a cattle feed operation and expanded to 900 acres. More than a century later, Spring Hill Mall was built, and residential subdivisions started popping up throughout the area.
Now, major companies are moving to a corporate park on the village's far west side, Spring Hill Mall is undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation, and the village is home to more than 7,300 people, according to a 2015 census.
Village officials are also implementing a downtown redevelopment plan, which promises to bring more businesses and economic success to the area. But West Dundee is also devoted to preserving its natural beauty, with a riverwalk along the Fox River, public parks and open land.
Look for a new "Icons of ..." town gallery every Sunday at dailyherald.com/galleries and on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. On our social media sites, share your favorite West Dundee photos with us by using #shareyoursuburb.
Take a look around and let us know which icons of West Dundee are special to you. Which ones stir a memory for you? Where do you love to go in town?
The West Dundee village hall has been a staple of the community for more than a century.
Lauren Rohr/lrohr@dailyherald.com
Visitors are welcomed to West Dundee with a riverwalk and a gazebo along the Fox River.
Lauren Rohr/lrohr@dailyherald.com
Main Street in West Dundee has several quaint shops and restaurants. The historic downtown area is only expected to grow and continue to flourish with the village's recently adopted downtown redevelopment plan.
Lauren Rohr/lrohr@dailyherald.com
The gazebo at Grafelman Park provides shade on a hot summer day.
Lauren Rohr/lrohr@dailyherald.com
The former Clearwater Theater on Main Street was built at the turn of the century and has been used as a vaudeville theater, a movie theater and most recently a live entertainment venue. A new owner is renovating the space and will soon open a new live music venue, called RocHaus.
Lauren Rohr/lrohr@dailyherald.com
Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Main Street is one of many area churches with high steeples that can be seen from across town.
Lauren Rohr/lrohr@dailyherald.com
Around the Corner Candy is a niche candy store in West Dundee's downtown area for almost two decades. Though it moved locations once last year and is expected to relocate again in the near future, visitors and residents can't miss the store's signature red and white sign.
Lauren Rohr/lrohr@dailyherald.com
The Randall Oaks Recreation Center, a Dundee Township Park District facility on Randall Road, is also home to the Randall Oaks branch library.
Lauren Rohr/lrohr@dailyherald.com
Dundee Middle School is one of five middle schools in Community Unit District 300.
Lauren Rohr/lrohr@dailyherald.com
The Leafs Ice Centre on Wesemann Drive offers figure skating and hockey programs for all ages and skills, as well as public skating and special events. The facility includes three ice rinks, Jerry's Pro Shops and the BlueLine Bar and Grill.
Lauren Rohr/lrohr@dailyherald.com
This fountain serves as the centerpiece of Grafelman Park, which also contains a gazebo, benches and tennis courts.
Lauren Rohr/lrohr@dailyherald.com
The Randall Oaks Barnyard Zoo is the main attraction at the Dundee Township Park District-operated Randall Oaks Park. Located on Randall Road, the zoo allows visitors to pet, feed and watch various animals.
Lauren Rohr/lrohr@dailyherald.com
Spring Hill Mall, located largely in West Dundee and partly in Carpentersville, is one of the village's largest sales tax generators. It is currently undergoing a $38.7 million renovation project, which will add a movie theater, restaurants and outward-facing retail shops.
Lauren Rohr/lrohr@dailyherald.com
Emmett's Brewing Co. on Main Street not only serves food and beverages, but it also brews award-winning, handcrafted beer.
Lauren Rohr/lrohr@dailyherald.com
The First Congregational Church of Dundee located along Route 31 has been a prominent part of the community since it was founded in 1841. The church last year started offering Hilltop Community Suppers, which are free, monthly meals served restaurant-style for all community members.
Lauren Rohr/lrohr@dailyherald.com
Oakview Corporate Park is continuing to grow on the far west side of the village. The park will soon be home to the North American headquarters for Renishaw Inc., a United Kingdom-based company that specializes in measurement, motion control and precision machines.
Lauren Rohr/lrohr@dailyherald.com
Kids of all ages play at a new splash pad, which was recently installed at Huffman Park on Tartans Drive by the Dundee Township Park District.
Lauren Rohr/lrohr@dailyherald.com
A movie theater, free-standing buildings, outward-facing retail stores and restaurants are expected to replace the demolished JCPenney wing at Spring Hill Mall.
Lauren Rohr/lrohr@dailyherald.com