Elgin
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Briefly
Elgin started out as a Factory City in the 1800s, but as suburban development became a factor, the city started to grow with more opportunity to "Live, Work, and Play". In 2000, the population was 97,300, but today that number has increased. As of the 2008 U.S. Census Bureau reported, the population was up to 106,330 residents. The Elgin Tower is the only skyscraper in the city. There are plans to build a new Water Street Condos development across the street from Elgin Tower. If built these condos would be 16 Floors high, but just a foot shorter than Elgin Tower. The city is even on the growth path. In 2000, Elgin City Limits only reached to Randall Road, but today the City Limits go beyond Randall Road near Highway 72. There is even a new Auto Mall being built on Randall Road and I-90. Growth is a big factor, and has not stopped in Elgin. The city is 1 and half hours away from Chicago. In March 2010, Longmeadow Parkway got approval from the State and County. Ground is expected to be broken in mid Spring to early Summer 2010. This parkway will not be like Randall Road, but more like the area's 1st major Freeway with a Toll-Bridge over the Fox River. Completion is expected by June 2011.
Metra Extension
- Mid March 2010- Metra's proposal for train service as an extension from Elgin has been approved. Amtrack will service as the commute, because of distance in between Elgin and Rockford. The state is hoping to start the commute in 2012. This should be a big boost factor for Rockford's Economy. If all goes well, the train will service from Chicago, the suburbs, Elgin, Huntley, Marengo, Belvidere, and Rockford. We will have to see if this actually happens.
Population
- 2000 Census: 97,300
- 2006 Special Census: 101,600
- 2008 Census: 106,330
Dining
Elgin has a lot of restaurants, but these are the places to be most of the time, while you are in Elgin. There's Jimmy's Charhouse which offers great Steaks and Pastas. The Elgin Public House offers Burger and Chicken Sandwiches along with Pasta. Alexander's offers about the same as the Elgin Public House, but has more Chicken or Beef Melts for people who like Melts instead of just an ordinary sandwich.
Architecture
Landmarks
- Elgin Tower
- "New" Sherman West Hospital
- Fountain Square
Elgin Pictures
