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Sycamore

Brief History
The City of Sycamore has its origins in a claim established on the north bank of the East Branch of the Kishwaukee River, which was then called the Sycamore River, in 1835. The present location was surveyed as a village plat in 1836 and a county seat controversy was settled in Sycamore’s favor in 1839. The City was later incorporated in 1858 and remains the county seat for DeKalb County. Although benefiting from vibrant growth, the community has not lost sight of the small-town values that have defined Sycamore. The downtown business district, adjoining historic homes and county courthouse, coupled with a strong sense of community, convey the gracious charm that fits the image of an ideal small town. As of November 2005, the City’s population was 14,866.

Location
One of Sycamore’s many appeals is its close proximity to larger cities such as Chicago and the greater Rockford area. Sycamore is located 58 miles west of Chicago and its primary arteries are Illinois State Highways 64 and 23. With Interstate 88 within five miles to the south, Interstate 39 approximately 17 miles to the west, 19 miles north to Interstate 90 and a Metra train station 15 minutes away, Sycamore is easily accessible to communities across Northern Illinois.

Housing
Sycamore offers all of the comforts of small-town living in a wide array of housing types. There are historic Victorian-style homes, large executive-style and custom homes in newer developments, numerous affordable single-family units, townhomes, condominiums, duplexes and apartments.

Over the past few years, Sycamore has witnessed steady growth among single-family and multi-family units. New residential growth is primarily to the north and southeast of the downtown. The City has demonstrated a commitment to controlled residential growth. By adopting a variety of local regulations, the City has continued its efforts to control the pace of residential growth within the framework of the City’s comprehensive plan.

Schools
Formed in 1950, Sycamore School District 427 is ranked as one of the state’s best public school systems. The district encompasses 80-plus square miles and has a current K-12 enrollment of 3,563 students. Four elementary schools—North, West, Southeast and South Prairie—serve kindergarten through fifth grades, a middle school serves sixth through eighth grades, and a high school serves those in ninth to twelfth grade. The district has a qualified staff with the average teacher having 9.5 years of experience. Sycamore public schools offer a comprehensive educational program and are a member of Special Education and Vocational Cooperatives. The district’s average composite ACT score is 24. Student attendance is rated at 96 percent.

Sycamore Schools offer before and after school care for children in grades K-5 at each child’s respective elementary school.

There are two private schools in Sycamore. Cornerstone Christian Academy serves grades K-12, with preschool available for ages 3 and older. St. Mary’s School, affiliated with St. Mary’s Catholic Church, serves K-8.

Economic Development
The City administration works with the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation to attract new industrial businesses, and works with the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce to attract and retain commercial retail business. Such businesses diversify the City’s property tax base, bring new jobs and services to the community, increase local tax revenues and offer amenities that enhance the overall quality of life.

Commercial growth to the southwest has expanded the shopping opportunities for Sycamore residents. The City recently approved a 450,000 square foot commercial shopping center that will be located off of Route 23 and Peace Road that should attract national retailers. On the north side of town, a Jewel Osco was approved on the corner of Peace/Plank Road and Route 23. The project is planned to begin in spring 2008. The City has enjoyed several new commercial retail and office developments. The Bethany Road corridor continues to attract commercial office investment as well as medical clinics that have an affiliation with the expanding Kishwaukee Hospital.

Industrial growth has been stable over the past few years. The Sycamore Prairie Business Park, a 235-acre development, has recently become the home for many industrial businesses such as Tate and Lyle Custom Ingredients, Fullco Industries and Schwan’s. Other local industrial companies include Ideal Industries, Auto Meter, Driv-Lok, American Bare Conductor, The Suter Company, Johnson Controls, Upstaging, Inc. and Sycamore Containers. The City continues to encourage industrial and commercial growth.


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