University Park, Illinois

History

In the late 1950s, Woodhill Enterprises purchased land south of Park Forest for a large subdivision. Building began in 1961, but by 1967 Wood Hill had only 240 homes. Residents created a homeowners association, which fostered a community identity.

In 1966 Nathan Manilow, one of the developers of Park Forest, started to purchase land around Wood Hill. Park Forest had been a model for planning in the 1940s, and Lewis Manilow, son of Nathan, formed New Community Enterprises (NCE) to build "a whole new town". Major partners included Illinois Central Industries and United States Gypsum Company.

NCE supported the incorporation of Park Forest South in 1967 with projections for 100,000 residents. Under the federal New Communities Act of 1968, Park Forest South was designated as one of 15 such "new communities". Planning included space for residential, commercial, and industrial development and addressed the needs of education, recreation, and faith communities. Racial integration was a goal from the beginning, and Park Forest South became a leader in support of open housing.

Governors State University opened its doors in 1969. The Illinois Central Railroad made its first commuter extension in 40 years there. As a result, it is the last stop on the Metra Electric District line. The city's initial plan included wooded preserves and recreation areas, building on recreation area set-asides and major land donations by the Manilow organization.

The creativity and energy of the developers and village leadership led to great hopes for their "whole new town". In 1970, the state of Illinois allocated $24 million for the GSU campus. In 1971, HUD guaranteed $30 million in loans to bring the vision to reality.

The developers modernized the water and sewage treatment facilities and in 1970 initiated the first elementary school, the first apartment complex, and Governors Gateway Industrial Park.

However, difficulties arose in the economy, in the requirements and lack of resources from HUD, in the projections for growth, and in other areas, leading to suspended development in late 1974. For over two years, intense activity at public and private levels untangled many of the problems. The new town, intended for 100,000, adapted to a slow-growth plan anticipating an eventual 20,000 to 25,000 residents. The 2000 population, however, was 6,662, up slightly from the previous decade.

New town planning remains evident. The industrial park next to Interstate 57 is integral to the village, and residential areas continue to offer open space, bikeways, and additional development. The new town heritage includes the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, a monumental internationally recognized outdoor sculpture park at GSU developed by Lewis Manilow to honor his father.

Notable people

Shonda Rhimes, television producer, screenwriter, and creator, head writer and executive producer of hit television series Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder, resided in University Park (formerly Park Forest South) as a child.

Laquon Treadwell, wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL) and former college football player for the University of Mississippi, resided in University Park, and is a 2013 graduate of Crete-Monee High School.

Geography

University Park is located at 41°26′22″N 87°41′50″W (41.439460, -87.697299).

According to the 2010 census, University Park has a total area of 10.842 square miles (28.08 km²), of which 10.84 square miles (28.08 km²) (or 99.98%) is land and 0.002 square miles (0.01 km²) (or 0.02%) is water. The village lies on the Valparaiso Moraine, which is also the Eastern Continental Divide.

Demographics

As of the census of 2010, there were 7,129 people, 2,416 households, and 1,772 families residing in the village. The population density was 657.7 people per square mile (253.9/km²). There were 2,730 housing units at an average density of 251.8 per square mile (97.2/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 6.1% White, 89.8% African American, 0.1% American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.8% Asian, 0.01% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 0.7% some other race, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.5% of the population.

There were 2,416 households, out of which 49.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 33.9% were headed by married couples living together, 33.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.7% were non-families. 22.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.4% were someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.94, and the average family size was 3.45.

In the village, the population was spread out with 33.8% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 6.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30.1 years. For every 100 females there were 80.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 73.5 males.

For the period 2007-11, the estimated median annual income for a household in the village was $49,133, and the median income for a family was $55,237. Male full-time workers had a median income of $46,901 versus $36,154 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,083. About 19.0% of families and 19.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.6% of those under age 18 and 18.7% of those age 65 or over.

Government

University Park is in the Second Congressional District.