Section 2: The Maywood Community - The Lakota Group

Section 2: The Maywood Community

SECTION 2: The Maywood Community
AREA CONTEXT
The Village of Maywood is a suburban community located 12 miles directly west of
Downtown Chicago along Interstate 290 (Eisenhower Expressway). As an inner ring suburb
in western Cook County, it is generally located near the geographic center of the Chicago
metropolitan region.
The Village is approximately bounded by 22nd Avenue on the west, Roosevelt Road on the
south and the Des Plaines River and Cook County Forest Preserve (Thatcher Woods,
Maywood Grove and G.A.R. Woods) on the east. The approximate northern boundary of
the Village is the Union Pacific rail line, with a portion of the community extending further
north just past Nichols Lane between Lake Street and North Avenue. (See Figure 2.1: Area
Context.)
The Village is a developed community of approximately 1,745 acres that had a population of
26,987 in 2000. Although the community does contain multi-family housing, several
commercial districts and industrial uses, single-family residential is its primary land use.
Mature, developed suburban communities of similar size are located adjacent to Maywood,
including Melrose Park, Bellwood, Broadview, Forest Park and River Forest.
Commercial districts are located primarily along Lake Street, First Avenue, Fifth Avenue,
Madison Street and Roosevelt Road. Industrial uses are located along St. Charles Road,
Maywood Drive and the northeast quadrant of the First Avenue and Interstate 290
interchange.
Overall, Maywood is strategically located near major transportation routes, freight and
commuter rail lines and major airports. The Des Plaines River and County Forest Preserve
provide a natural open space along the community’s eastern edge.
COMMUNITY BACKGROUND
According to the 2002 Maywood Community Guide, Maywood was founded by Colonel
William Nichols in 1869 and named for May Nichols, his deceased daughter. Colonel
Nichols was a State Senator from Vermont who served in the Civil War. He formed the
Maywood Company, which developed the Village. It was incorporated in 1881 under the
General Cities and Villages Act of 1872.
The Nichols home was located at the northwest corner of Fifth Avenue and Second Street
(now Oak Street), and was demolished after World War I. The original plot of Maywood was
approximately two miles north and south and one-half mile east and west along the western
bank of the Des Plaines River with the Chicago Northwestern Railroad running through the
center. The area south of the tracks was a farm owned by M.C. Niles of Oak Park, who sold
it to the Maywood Company for $100 an acre. The farmhouse still stands at 104 Oak Street
(presently the Way Back Inn).
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Maywood continued to grow through the late 1800’s into the turn of the century. In the
early 1900’s Maywood’s expanded city limits were set and maintained as they are today.
During this time Maywood’s population continued to grow until about 1930. Early settlers
included Western and Eastern Europeans, African-Americans and eventually Hispanics.
Throughout the mid 1900’s Maywood’s population continued to change until the 1970’s
when it became predominantly African-American as it remains today.
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HISTORIC RESOURCES
Maywood’s historic resources and structures represent elements of the community’s past
that should be preserved when feasible. Structures of historical significance contribute to the
fabric of the community and provide an image and identity of an earlier era. These structures
typically display architectural styles and features rarely seen in today’s modern building styles.
Many of these early homes and buildings still stand today. Several have been listed on the
National Register of Historic Places and are noted below. (See also Figure 2.2: Historic
Properties.). The National Register is the nation’s official list of places recognized for their
historical, architectural or archaeological significance, and considered worthy of preservation.
Maywood - Historic Structures on National Register
Jacob Bohlander House – 316 North Fourth Avenue
Stone and red brick Queen Anne built in 1884.
Masonic Temple – 200 South Fifth Avenue
The Masonic Temple was built in 1917.
Fire Station – 511 St. Charles Road
Brick Dutch Revival built in 1904 as the Villages first public fire station.
Caroline Millward House – 502 North Fifth Avenue
Residential Prairie Style Four Square built in 1907.
Caroline Grow House – 603 North Sixth Avenue
Residential Four Square built circa 1902.
Robinson House – 602 North Third Avenue
Residential Vernacular Square Cottage built circa 1902.
The Cluever House – 601 North First Avenue
Classic Prairie School house built in 1913.
William Frangenheim House – 410 North Third Avenue
Residential Four Square built circa 1906.
William & Caroline Gibbs House – 515 North Third Avenue
Residential Four Square built circa 1906.
Jennie S. Thompkins House – 503 North Third Avenue
Residential Square Vernacular built circa 1872.
Timothy Lynch House – 416 North Fourth Avenue
Classic Chicago Bungalow built in 1927.
Mads C. Larson House – 318 South First Avenue
Residential Prairie Style Bungalow.
Mrs. Henry F. Akin House – 901 South Eighth Avenue
Prairie Bungalow built circa 1910.
Harry H. Nichols House – 216 South Fourth Avenue
Residential Queen Anne built circa 1894.
Joseph Sullivan House – 142 South 17th Avenue
Residential structure built by Proviso Land Association.
Albert Soffel House - 508 North Fifth Avenue
Two-flat brick foursquare, built in 1905.
Source: “Welcome to Maywood’s Historic Architecture,” North Maywood Community Organization.
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Other Historic Resources
Ten-Mile Freedom House
Although not listed on the National Register and not standing today, the Ten-Mile Freedom
House represents a significant part of Maywood’s history. It was a site of the Underground
Railroad for runaway slaves in the late 1880’s. Its name signifies that it was ten miles from
downtown Chicago.
The site is located at the southeast corner of Lake Street and First Avenue, where a
McDonald’s Restaurant is now located. A memorial was constructed there to acknowledge
the historical importance of this site and the Underground Railroad.
Checkerboard Field
At First Avenue, between Roosevelt and Cermak Roads, was Maywood’s first and only
airfield. Originally called Maywood Air Mail Field, it was renamed Checkerboard Field
during the early 1920s when it was moved across First Avenue to what is now the Edward
Hines Hospital site.
On April 15, 1926, Charles Lindbergh made the first airmail flight from Chicago to St. Louis
from this location. The airfield is also historically significant because Bessie Coleman, the
first African-American woman pilot flew in and out of Checkerboard Field.
Preservation Programs
In 2005, the Village passed a historic preservation ordinance, the Landmarks Commission
and Designation of Historic Sites. The ordinance establishes a preservation review
commission; provides for the nominations and consideration of buildings, districts,
landmarks, and structures; allows for public participation, and enables Maywood to become
a Certified Local Government by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. It is the first step
toward a community-wide preservation program.
Status as a Certified Local Government allows the Village to participate in state and federal
incentive programs, such as the Illinois Heritage Grants program. Financial incentives are
also available to historic property owners. Most funds and incentives are linked to
renovation projects. Sources include the Property Tax Assessment Freeze and Federal
Historic Preservation Tax Credits. These programs are administered through the Illinois
Historic Preservation Agency.
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GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE
The Village of Maywood is an Illinois home-rule corporation that operates under the Village
Manager form of government. The Village Manager is appointed by the Village President
and is responsible for the daily activities of the Village and its approximately 173 full-time
employees.
A seven-member board that consists of the President and six trustees, who are elected at
large to four-year terms, govern the Village. The Village’s charter is to provide residents with
police and fire protection, water, sewer, refuse collection, public works services, and other
traditional municipal services.
DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
Population by Year
Mature communities of similar size surround Maywood in all directions. Because the village
limits have been determined since the early 1900’s and have not changed, population growth
has not significantly increased since 1930.
The current population of Maywood is 26,987 persons. Table 2.1 summarizes the population
of Maywood over the last 100 years as recorded in each decennial census.
Table 2.1: Maywood Population Year 1900-2000
Year
Population
2000 26,987
1990 27,139
1980 27,998
1970 30,036 peak
1960 27,330
1950 27,473
1940 26,648
1930 25,829
1920 12,072
1910 8,033
1900 4,532
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000-1900
Following steady but moderate population growth in the early 1900’s, Maywood’s population
increased by 114% from 1920 to 1930. The population then slowed and leveled off in the
ensuing years from 1930 to 1970, when it hit its peak at 30,036 persons. Since then the
population has decreased by approximately 3,000 persons.
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Population by Ethnicity
Table 2.2 presents data regarding the racial composition of Maywood. The Village is
predominantly African-American (approximately 83%), with 10% Caucasian, and the
remaining 7% comprised of other races or persons of two or more races. Table 2.3 indicates
the portion of Maywood’s Population of Hispanic/Latino origin.
Please note that the U.S. Census distinguishes between race and Hispanic/Latino origin as
separate data sets. People of Hispanic or Non-Hispanic origin, indicated in Table 2.3, are
distributed through the various ethnic categories in Table 2.2, i.e. an African-American or
Asian person may also be of Hispanic origin. Hence, the total population for Table 2.2 and
2.3 is consistent, however, the Non-Hispanic figure of 24,144 will not match the total
population of all ethnicities in Table 2.2.
Table 2.2: Maywood Population by Race
Ethnicity Persons Percent of Total
African-American 22,308 82.66%
Caucasian 2,625 9.73%
American Indian/Alaskan 34 0.13%
Asian 80 0.30%
Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 1 0%
Other 1,500 5.56%
Two or more races 439 1.63%
Total 26,987 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000
Table 2.3: Maywood Population by Hispanic/Latino Origin
Hispanic/Latino Origin Persons Percent of Total
Hispanic or Latino 2,843 10.5%
Non-Hispanic or Latino 24,144 89.5%
Total 26,987 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000
Population by Sex
Table 2.4 presents data regarding the number of males and females in the Village. As shown,
there are approximately 1,700, or 6% more females than males. The Village compares
reasonably with the same figures for Cook County, the State of Illinois and the United
States. (See Appendix for Figures.)
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Table 2.4: Maywood Population by Sex
Sex Persons Percent of Total
Male 12,626 47%
Female 14,361 53%
Total 26,987 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000
Population by Age Group
According to the 2000 Census, the median age of the Maywood’s population is 30.7 years
old. The median age for the male population is 28.6 and 32.5 for females. This information
indicates that Maywood is a relatively young community. It is slightly younger than the
region as a whole in comparison with Cook County with a median age of 33.6.
Table 2.5 presents the breakdown of Maywood’s population by age group. The largest age
group in Maywood is 25- to 44-year-olds, followed by the 5- to 14-year-olds. The third
largest group is the 45- to 54-year-olds. If the 45 to 54 age group is combined with the 25 to
44 age group, approximately 40% of the population is represented in the ages of 25 to 54.
As mentioned, the 5- to 14-year-olds are the second largest group with approximately 18%
of the population. The under 5-age group has the fourth highest total with 8%. The two
youngest age groups combined indicate that 24% of the population is 17 years of age or
younger.
Table 2.5: Maywood Population by Age Group
Age Group Persons Percent of Total
Under 5 years 2,152 7.97%
5-14 years 4,966 18.4%
15-19 years 2,295 8.5%
20-24 years 1,955 7.2%
25-44 years 7,482 27.72%
45-54 years 3,191 11.82%
55-59 years 1,270 4.71%
60-64 years 1,085 4.02%
65-74 years 1,630 6.04%
75-84 years 693 2.57%
85 years and over 268 0.99%
Total 26,987 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000
This information indicates that in the near term the Village will continue to be a community
of mostly families with children. This will continue to place demands on the services
required by families and their children, especially parks and schools. The number of
residents reaching retirement age, although not significant in the near term, will increase over
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the next twenty years. This indicates that a need for increased senior services will develop
over time. Compared with the same data for Cook County, State of Illinois and United
States, Maywood has a higher percentage of children and adolescents and lower percentage
of adults. (See Appendix for Figures.)
Household & Family Data
Similar to population, the number of households in Maywood has decreased over the last
twenty years. In 1980, there were 8,357 households. This figure decreased to 8,036 in 1990,
and to 7,937 in 2000. Table 2.6 presents household and family information for the Village.
Table 2.6: Household & Family Data
Total Households 7,937
Persons per Households 3.38
Total Families 6,151
Persons per Family 3.84
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000
As noted above, there are more households than families, which indicates a significant
number of single persons in the Village. This information indicates that single persons,
including single parents, may have a special need for community services. Compared with
the same data for Cook County, State of Illinois and United States, Maywood has a higher
number of persons per household and family, 3.38 and 3.84 compared to 2.68 and 3.38 for
Cook County, 2.63 and 3.23 for State of Illinois and 2.59 and 3.14 for the United States. (See
Appendix for Figures.)
Regional Population Projection
The Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission (NIPC), the regional planning agency for
the six-county Chicago metropolitan area, estimates that Maywood’s population will decrease
over the next twenty years. The projections, produced in 2000, involve two different growth
scenarios for the metropolitan region. NIPC indicates substantial population growth within
the six-county region as a whole. However, the location of a third airport in the region, or
the expansion and improvement of existing airports will determine the amount and location
of the population increase. A third airport is expected to substantially increase population in
southern Cook and Will counties, while expansion and improvement of existing airports will
distribute the growth more evenly throughout the region. Across the region, NIPC projects
that the six counties will increase in population from the 2000 Census count of 8,272,768
people to 9,045,000 people in the year 2020. This is an overall increase of 9.3 percent.
For the Village of Maywood, NIPC projects a population decrease from the 2000 Census
count of 26,987 people to 25,689 without construction of a third airport or 25,958 in the
year 2020, if the airport is constructed. However, as discussed below, local projections
indicate that Maywood’s population could grow due to the significant development
opportunities present in the Village for new housing.
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Local Population Projection
Although NIPC projects that Maywood’s population will decline over the next twenty years,
analysis of the community during the comprehensive planning process indicates that land
area devoted to housing could increase. There is potential for some in-fill, small lot
development, as well as new development around the Fifth Avenue train station and in the
area along the expressway designated for a new Town Center (see Section 9). If the vacant
and underutilized properties designated for residential use and/or increased housing
densities are developed, Maywood could have an increase of 900 housing units over the next
ten years.
These housing units could transform into 3,042 additional persons in the Village based on
Maywood’s average of 3.38 persons per household of the 2000 Census. This could represent
an increase in population to approximately 30,000 by the year 2013.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The overall goal for a strong local economy is to provide job opportunities and retail goods
and services to residents and visitors ensuring a strong tax base necessary for providing
municipal services. Maywood’s economic base consists of a range of business establishments
that provide a wide variety of services and products. Maintaining these businesses while
continuing to attract new business will contribute to a healthy economic environment in
Maywood.
Local Economy
Maywood experienced a slow and steady economic decline since the closing of the American
Can Company in 1973. The closure of this major business resulted in the loss of over 800
jobs, which was the beginning of a pattern of failing businesses, and loss of workforce and
tax base. However, recently the Village has been experiencing an economic return from new
businesses establishing in Maywood.
There are approximately 524 businesses in Maywood. The majority of Maywood’s businesses
consist of small, locally owned retail and service uses that operate on a neighborhood scale.
Some franchise commercial activity, light industry and warehouse uses are also starting to
become active in Maywood. Large corporations and industrial users are also starting to
consider Maywood as a viable option for running their business. Most notably, Aetna
Plywood and Cintas have opened facilities on the former site of the American Can
Company, and United Concrete is developing a facility on the same site.
Competitive Strengths
Maywood’s competitive strengths include its location in the overall Chicago region, its
proximity to major transportation routes and railroads and its availability of industrial land
near major arterials and the railroad. Maywood has a good transportation system with major
arterials linked to the state and federal highways. The Union Pacific Railroad travels through
Maywood and is adjacent to its primary industrial district with vacant, available land.
Maywood’s industrial area is incorporated into the St. Charles Road TIF District. A business
Enterprise Zone also overlays this area.
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Workforce
According to the 2000 Census, Maywood had a civilian labor force of 12,370 persons, of
which, 10,926 were employed. The 1,444 persons not employed resulted in an
unemployment rate of 7.5%. The following two tables represent the industry and
occupational categories of the workforce.
Table 2.7 - Maywood Employed Workforce - Occupational Category
Occupation Category Number Percent of Total
Management & Professional 2,263 20.7%
Sales & Office 3,628 33.2%
Service 1,953 17.9%
Farming, Fishing & Forestry 30 0.3%
Construction, Extraction & Maintenance 509 4.7%
Production, Transportation & Moving 2,543 23.2%
Total 10,926 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000
The table above indicates that about 54% of the employed workforce is engaged in
professional related employment, which includes employees in management, professional,
sales and office related occupations. However, even with this majority in professional or
similar occupations the unemployment rate in the village remains high.
Table 2.8 - Maywood Employed Workforce - Industry Category
Industry Category Number Percent of Total
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting & Mining 7 0.1%
Construction 334 3.1%
Manufacturing 1,775 16.2%
Wholesale Trade 343 3.1%
Retail Trade 1,123 10.3%
Transportation, Warehousing & Utilities 1,489 13.6%
Information Technology 334 3.1%
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate 812 7.4%
Professional, Scientific, Management & Admin. 781 7.1%
Educational, Health & Social Services 2,353 21.5%
Art, Entertainment, Recreation & Food Services 597 5.5%
Public Administration 527 4.8%
Other 451 4.1%
Total 10,926 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000
Major Employers
Maywood has a range of major employers that contribute to the economic vitality and tax
base of the Village. The Village must retain these employers and industries to maintain an
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adequate revenue stream from property and sales tax. Maywood’s property tax revenue is
significant and is the major source of income for the Village. The following tables list the
major employers in the Village and the largest property taxpayers in the Village.
Table 2.9 - Maywood Major Employers
Employer Product/Service Employees
Loyola Medical Center Healthcare 7,000
Edward Hines Hospital Healthcare 2,300
Commonwealth Edison Utility 500
Cintas Business Services N/A
Cook County Courthouse/Offices County Offices 600
Med Care HMO Healthcare 110
Aetna Plywood Building Materials 80
Supreme Catering Food Catering 150
Public School District 89 Education 460
Proviso East High School Education 250
Village of Maywood Municipal Government 173
National Cycle, Inc. Motorcycle Accessories 100
Source: Village of Maywood
Table 2.10: Maywood Principal Property Taxpayers
Taxpayer Business/Service Assessed Value
Commonwealth Edison Electric Utility $9,648,053
Imperial Realty Commercial Real Estate $1,843,216
Village of Maywood Municipal Government $1,361,267
Roy Strom Excavating & Grading $1,216,154
Greenwood Apartments Residential Properties $867,431
Maywood Properties Commercial $798,713
Supreme Catering Mobile Catering $797,666
Aetna Plywood Building Materials N/A
Source: Cook County Treasurer
Business Retention And Attraction
A business retention and attraction plan is needed for the Village to ensure business and
industry is a major part of Maywood’s economic future. This type of plan can serve as a
prioritization of needs to implement portions of the Comprehensive Plan as well other goals
of the Village and Chamber of Commerce. This type of plan is aimed at aiding existing
businesses while providing a framework of future improvements and actions to attract new
business. They can be critical to a community’s economic success. Improved transportation
and parking services, a simplified permitting process, small business support services,
education support programs and public/private partnerships are all examples of actions that
can be included in such a plan.
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