The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Naperville Historic District

Click on image titles for larger views.

Naperville Historic District (aerial view), North Central College

Naperville Historic District (detail, Carnegie Hall and Old Main), North Central College

Institution Name: North Central College
Original/Historic Place Name: Naperville Historic District
Location on Campus:
Date(s) of Construction and Designer(s):

ca. 1830-1920

campus construction and development Unknown

Type of Place: Building group

Style(s) of majority of buildings: Other: Praire style bungalows, brick churches, wood frame Victorians and farmhouses

Style(s) of minority of buildings: not applicable

Building group type: none specified

Relationship to landscape:

none specified

Ideas associated with building group:

none specified

Function:

Significance:
Landmark designation:

none

Narrative: see below
References: see below

Narrative:
The town of Naperville in 1870, when it convinced North Central College to relocate here, was a small community of 1700. Following World War II, Naperville began growth leading it to its current status as one of the largest cities in Illinois with 130,000 residents and a unique example of the developing "technoburb." Residents enjoy proximity to Chicago, but also recognize and respect the area's historic district designation, at the heart of which lies the college. The college and neighborhood work together to reach the best possible solutions to challenges arising from expansion and growth. In this spirit of cooperation, the college has created a Master Facilities Plan, which evaluates the adequacy of existing facilities and looks forward to suggest direction for change on campus in future years.

References:

I. Bibliographic sources:

North Central College & Naperville: A Shared History, 1870-1995. Naperville, IL: North Central College, 1995.

Roberts, Clarence N. A Clear & Steady Light: A Brief History of North Central College. Naperville, IL: North Central College, 1981.

Roberts, Clarence N. North Central College: A Century of Liberal Education, 1861-1961. Naperville, IL: North Central College, 1960.

Savage, Charles. A College In Its Community. Naperville, IL: North Central College, [n.d.].

II. Location of other data:

Government Offices