Welcome To Your Elmhurst Magazine

There is only one magazine named Elmhurst Magazine. And, you can order a print or digital copy at www.ElmhurstMagazine.com. We want to make it accessible to everyone in and outside of Elmhurst.

We publish every other month, beginning with our premier issue! Our staff has worked diligently in our Elmhurst office at 107 W. First Street since November, getting to know the community's leaders, residents, and business owners.

We hope you like what you see and read. We promise to keep bringing articles like the ones in this issue because this city and its residents have a lot to share. We will do our best to bring stories that properly represent this vibrant and exciting community.

First, Elmhurst Magazine Managing Editor Larry Atseff and I interviewed Mayor Scott Levin. He credits longtime cooperation between city government and business leaders, which has been working so well together that the city is on the upswing and is attracting more residents. Moreover, Elmhurst is enjoying solid economic growth.

Elmhurst City Center is a perfect example of government and business cooperation and its success in growing downtown Elmhurst. We share how the 250+ member businesses are joining together, yet again, to keep downtown an attractive destination for residents and visitors this year.

First-rate educational institutions help define attractive places to live. Elmhurst has more than its share.

One outstanding institution is Elmhurst University. We sat down with President Troy VanAken, and he recounts how well it ranks in the Midwest and how it is growing enrollment as it becomes known as Elmhurst University.

Speaking of history, The Elmhurst History Museum makes the city's history come alive. Housed in the majestic Glos mansion in downtown Elmhurst, it beautifully and impressively recounts the remarkable history of this town. History comes alive with a unique interactive computer map that shows how the town grew at the press of a button, complete with pictures of structures from different eras. There is also a video that animates still photos from the past. The Museum is so well regarded; it is a city department, just like Police and Fire.

Looking ahead, we spotlight the Elmhurst Centre For Performing Arts (ECPA). The group is gaining momentum by adding famous rocker from Jefferson Starship, and Elmhurst resident Cathy Richardson to their Board. They also unveil an ambitious capital funding drive, starting in midApril. Yes, Elmhurst is alive and well!

Another educational standout is Immaculate Conception Catholic Preparatory School. New President Robert Cronin discusses how and why the school is well known for preparing young people for college. In our next issue, we will share a conversation with the leaders at York High School.

Since National Women's History Month is in March, we honor Elmhurst resident Eleanor King Hookham. She is the perfect example for this month for Elmhurst. She was a renowned painter and pioneered art groups in Elmhurst and was the determined founder of the very well-respected Elmhurst Art Museum.

I hope you enjoy this premier edition of Elmhurst Magazine. It is our newest addition to the Hinsdale Magazine Group, founded in 2011, and now includes Hinsdale Magazine, Downers Grove Magazine, and Oak Brook Magazine. Our mission is to "connect communities" through commerce and stories about interesting people. Please share your comments and suggestions, as we are honored to serve the residents of Elmhurst

Respectfully,

Scott Jonlich, Publisher Elmhurst Magazine

15 PROFILE

IC Catholic Prep’s President Bob Cronin

19 HISTORICAL WOMEN

Eleanor King Hookham

23 THE INTERVIEW

Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin

27 COVER

Elmhurst University’s President Troy VanAken

31 SPOTLIGHT

The Drake Hotel

34 HISTORY VAULT

Elmhurst History Museum

40 TRENDS Weddings

44 SNAPSHOT Educational Institutions

50 SPECIAL FEATURE

Elmhurst City Centre

54 PERFORMING ARTS

Cathy Richardson Joins ECPA

58 CHEF SHOWCASE

Francesca’s Amici

59 GIVING BACK

Infant Welfare Fashion Show

60 STAYCATION LeMeridien

63 DINING

Armand’s Restaurant in Elmhurst

65 TRAVEL Ireland

FOUNDER & PUBLISHER

Scott Jonlich sjonlich@HinsdaleMag.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Anne Healy anne@HinsdaleMag.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Larry Atseff larry@HinsdaleMag.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Maureen Callahan

Valerie Hardy

Julie Jonlich

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Jennifer Frencl

Rachel Pavlovich

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Adam Andrzejewski

Chuck Fieldman

Julie Janoski

Insert Kristina Taheri

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Victor Hilitski

Greg Kozlick

Marcello Rodarte

ADVERTISING SALES

Brian Ade

Gino Cosentino

Renee Lawrence

Cynthia Maquet

No person, organization or publication can copy or re-produce the content in this magazine or any part of this publication without a written consent from the publisher. The publisher, authors, contributors and designers reserve their rights with regards to copyright of their work. Elmhurst Magazine assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information. The information contained about each individual, event or organization has been provided by such individual, event organizers or organization. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Elmhurst Magazine. Comments are welcome, but they should be on-topic and well-expressed. Copyright ©2023 Elmhurst Magazine. All rights reserved.