In 1959, a homeowners group called the Ridgemoor Homeowners Association decided to incorporate as a village in order to be able to guide the development of farmland which surrounded their homes. Changes in the law scheduled to become effective January 1, 1960, which would require a population of 400 for incorporation, caused this group of 167 people to expedite its application to be made a village.
While the case for incorporation was before court, the attorney for the homeowners association called the president, Anton Borse, frantically asking for a name for the new village. Borse looked out his window and saw the willow trees along the creek at the back of his property and promptly gave the village its name. Willowbrook became one of the State's smallest villages on January 18, 1960. To celebrate this event, the Village hosted a Birthday Bash on Sunday, January 17th. Anniversary events are also being scheduled throughout the year and will include a family fun run in the spring/summer and a winter carnival.
Today, Willowbrook is a small village of approximately 9,000 residents and is known for its exceptional services, low taxes and convenience to the metro Chicago region. Located at the nexus of Route 83 and I-55, it’s a short five mile drive along Route 83 north to the regional business center of Oak Brook and the I-88 corridor, a quick 15 mile drive east along I-55 to Midway International Airport and only a few minutes from Argonne National Laboratory. Willowbrook’s prime location and accessibility to many regional destinations makes it an attractive location for residents and businesses such as Turtle Wax, whose corporate headquarters are located in Willowbrook.