History of Kenilworth
Kenilworth was founded in 1889 when Joseph Sears purchased 223.6 acres of land consisting of several farms between the Chicago and North Western Railroad and Lake Michigan for $150,300. Sears and several of his associates formed The Kenilworth Company to execute his suburban dream.
The company undertook all marketing activities, publicizing the community’s many attractive features through brochures, maps, and newspaper ads, as well as direct personal sales. Prospects were provided transportation from the city and greeted with a reception. Visitors were also offered overnight accommodations. In 1891, Sears invited about 20 of his personal friends, prominent bankers and Chicago businessmen to a picnic luncheon on Kenilworth’s lake shore. Lots were offered at $60 a foot; significantly above the $15 a foot for similarly located property nearby. Some laughed, but the property did sell within 12 months.
Joseph Sears possessed definite ideas about how a village should be planned. Streets were designed to maximize the availability of sunlight in each home, utilities were placed underground, no alleys or fences were permitted, construction standards were high, and there were large lots and paved streets. To maintain the country atmosphere, the plan required large lots and setbacks, tree plantings along roadways, and generous park lands. Mr. Sears donated much of his own property to achieve this goal. This planned community attracted widespread attention and was visited by many noted architects attending the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Noted architect Franklin Burnham joined The Kenilworth Company and designed Kenilworth Station and Kenilworth Union Church. Burnham also designed several homes for company members to display for potential residents.
By February 4, 1896, the village reached the required 300 residents and was incorporated, with an elected board assuming municipal functions from Joseph Sears. The Kenilworth Company continued their sales activities until 1904, at which time Sears acquired the existing stock and became the sole owner of the remaining property. From the original purchase developed by Joseph Sears, Kenilworth expanded to its current size of 0.6 of a square mile through a series of annexations. As of the 2010 census, Kenilworth had a population of 2,513.
