The village of Westmont is located only 23 miles west of downtown Chicago, IL, and is situated between the neighboring villages of Downers Grove and Clarendon Hills. The area of Westmont played a crucial role in Chicago’s recovery from the Great Fire of 1871; although it was largely undeveloped at the time, it was the location of the William Gregg Brick Company that supplied a majority of the brick used in rebuilding the city. By 1890, bricks were no longer needed in such quantities, but the location remained a stop (referred to as “Gregg’s”) along the CB&Q Railroad. It wasn’t until after the end of WWI that a land speculator named Arthur T. McIntosh showed interest in the area, and began buying up land with hopes of creating a new town. McIntosh divided his land into lots and sold them for $5 down and the rest in monthly payments. By 1921, there were enough new residents to band together and incorporate as the Village of Westmont, the name so chosen because the location had the highest elevation west of Chicago along the CB&Q. Today residents of Westmont celebrate their history by preserving the house that was built by William L. Gregg in 1871; it currently serves as the home of the Westmont Historical Society.

Despite its close proximity to fast-paced Chicago, Westmont is worlds away from the traffic and noise. The village’s over 25,000 residents enjoy being part of a caring community in a small town atmosphere. Westmont has a Special Events Corporation that plans year-round events for the public to enjoy, including a “Cruisin’ Nights” Car Show every Thursday night during the summer, the “Taste of Westmont” food festival, a 4th of July Celebration, Oktoberfest, as well as various Halloween and Christmas events. Westmont has a vibrant arts community that supports public artworks and music performances. The blues legend Muddy Water lived in Westmont for the last ten years of his life (from 1973-83), and every year the village takes part in a Muddy Water Blues Tribute following the “Taste of Westmont.” Also, the Westmont Special Events Corporation hosts the Concerts in the Park series that takes place at Ty Warner Park, featuring a wide range of music from rock ‘n’ roll to big band. The Westmont SEC also teams up with the Westmont Area Friends of the Arts to coordinate Artists in Action events that let the public interact with local artists while they create. In addition to festivals, art, and music, the Village of Westmont Park District maintains more than 20 parks and playgrounds throughout the village, as well as recreation and sports facilities for children and adults.

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