Round Lake Beach

The history of Round Lake Beach is a story of transformation from a seasonal resort into a thriving suburb. The town's development was closely tied to its attractive geographic location by the lake and the initiative of developers.

Founding and Early Mentions

While European settlers began arriving in this area of Illinois as early as the 1830s, the modern history of Round Lake Beach started much later. In the 1930s, developer L. B. Harris saw the potential in developing the western shore of Round Lake. He began selling affordable lots for summer cottages, targeting workers from Chicago who were looking for a place to relax. As the population grew, so did the need for municipal services, and in January 1937, residents voted for incorporation, officially founding the Village of Round Lake Beach.

Key Factors in its Development

• Geographic Location: Its position on the shores of Round Lake made the area an ideal spot for summer recreation and cottage construction.
• Economic Development: Initially, the economy centered on tourism and the sale of affordable vacation real estate. A real boom began after the mid-1940s: returning veterans actively purchased inexpensive homes, transforming Round Lake Beach from a resort into a full-fledged residential suburb.
• Infrastructure and Governance: With the population growth, the village actively developed its infrastructure, including water and sewer systems, and expanded its borders through the annexation of adjacent territories for commercial development.

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics

In its early stages, Round Lake Beach was a typical summer settlement. Many homes were simple structures without modern amenities, intended for temporary living. The economy was entirely dependent on seasonal residents and vacationers. The Great Depression slowed development slightly but did not stop it. The post-war building boom fundamentally changed the town's appearance and demographics, turning it into a permanent home for thousands of families.

1930 — Developer L. B. Harris begins developing the western shore of Round Lake, offering affordable lots for summer cottages to Chicago workers.

January 1937 — Local residents vote for incorporation, officially establishing the Village of Round Lake Beach to obtain municipal services.

April 1937 — After the official name approval by the State of Illinois, Hans Roeh is elected as the village's first president.

Late 1940s – 1950s — The town experiences a demographic boom as post-war families and veterans begin purchasing affordable homes, transforming the resort area into a full-fledged suburb.

Early 1960s — Round Lake Beach becomes the largest community in western Lake County and begins a policy of active annexation of adjacent territories for further development.

1970s — A commercial district forms and develops along Rollins Road, made possible by the growth of residential housing.

Mid-1990s — Metra launches commuter rail service connecting the area to Chicago, significantly improving transportation accessibility.

Late 1996 — Round Lake Beach celebrates the opening of its own train station on the new Metra line, marking a major milestone in the town's infrastructure development.

Key Development Milestones: From Resort to Modern Suburb

The history of Round Lake Beach is a prime example of how a small resort settlement transformed into a developed and self-sufficient suburb. Key transformations were driven by demographic shifts, infrastructure development, and local economic growth.

• Founding as a Resort Settlement (1930s)

  The town's history began with developer L. B. Harris, who saw the potential in selling affordable lots for summer cottages to Chicago workers. This defined the initial character of the settlement as a destination for seasonal recreation.

• Official Incorporation (1937)

  As the population grew, the need for municipal services arose. In January 1937, residents voted for incorporation, which allowed for the creation of local government, infrastructure development, and official village status.

• Post-War Building Boom (late 1940s – 1950s)

  This period was a turning point in the town's history. Returning veterans actively purchased affordable housing, leading to a sharp population increase and the transformation of Round Lake Beach from a summer resort into a permanent residential community.

• Expansion and Land Annexation (1960s)

  By the early 1960s, Round Lake Beach had become the largest community in western Lake County. Town authorities began a policy of annexing adjacent lands, particularly to the north toward Rollins Road, for future commercial and residential construction.

• Formation of a Commercial Hub (1970s)

  Driven by the increase in residential development, a commercial district began to actively develop along Rollins Road. This helped create jobs and provided residents with local shops and services, strengthening the town's economic independence.

• Launch of Metra Rail Service (1990s)

  Commuter rail service was launched in the mid-1990s, and in late 1996, the town opened its own Metra station. This significantly improved transportation accessibility and the connection to Chicago, making Round Lake Beach more attractive to residents working in the metropolis.

The architecture of Round Lake Beach is a visual history of the 20th-century American suburb. Unlike older cities with centuries of construction, this area's appearance was shaped not by Gothic or Renaissance styles, but by the practical needs and social trends of its time. While there are no grandiose architectural monuments, the residential neighborhoods and their layouts themselves tell the story of the town.

Early Resort Period (1930s – early 1940s)

Urban development began with the repurposing of land for summer recreation for Chicago workers. The first buildings were typically small summer cottages, often built by the owners themselves without centralized utilities. The architecture of this period was purely functional, with the primary goal of providing affordable lakeside housing. These early homes laid the foundation for future residential blocks.

Post-War Boom and Suburbanization (1950s – 1970s)

The real construction boom occurred in the post-war years, when veterans and their families began moving en masse from the city to the suburbs. This period defined the modern look of much of Round Lake Beach. The main architectural styles included:

• Ranch-style homes: Single-story, elongated houses with low-pitched roofs became the symbol of American suburbia. They were inexpensive to build and ideal for young families.
• Minimal Traditional homes: Small, simple houses that were popular immediately after the war as economical and practical housing.

During this time, development followed a "postage stamp" principle — small lots with a rectangular street grid, especially in areas south of Rollins Road.

Modern Development (1980s – Present)

Since the 1980s, development has shifted north of Rollins Road, where more modern residential complexes began to appear. Unlike the older developments, the streets here became more winding and the lots wider. Architecture grew more diverse, with larger two-story homes characteristic of later American suburbs. Simultaneously, commercial development actively expanded along major thoroughfares like Rollins Road, forming shopping centers and business zones. The arrival of the Metra rail station in the 1990s was a landmark event, solidifying Round Lake Beach's status as a convenient suburb for those working in Chicago.

Notable Figures Connected to the Town

Despite its relatively young history, Round Lake Beach and its surrounding areas have been the starting point for several notable figures in entrepreneurship, local government, and sports. These individuals have contributed to the region's development and prominence.

• L. B. Harris — Entrepreneur and founder. In the 1930s, Harris recognized the potential in developing the western shore of Round Lake. He began selling affordable lots and summer cottages to Chicago workers, laying the groundwork for the modern community of Round Lake Beach.
• Hans Roeh — The first village president. Following the official incorporation of Round Lake Beach in 1937, Hans Roeh was elected as the first president (mayor) and played a key role in establishing the local government.
• Clay Guida — Mixed Martial Artist (MMA). The well-known UFC fighter was born in Round Lake. His career in one of the world's most popular promotions has brought recognition to his hometown.
• Tim Unroe — Professional baseball player. A graduate of local Round Lake High School, Unroe played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for teams such as the Milwaukee Brewers, Anaheim Angels, and Atlanta Braves.
• Tom Wittum — American football player. Another Round Lake High School alumnus, Wittum was a professional punter in the NFL, best known for his time with the San Francisco 49ers in the 1970s.