View source for Illinois Technology and Research Corridor

{{Short description|Region of commerce and industry along Interstate 88 in the Chicago metropolitan area}}
[[Image:IL Tech & Research Corridor.png|200px|thumb|right|The Illinois Technology and Research Corridor in the [[Chicago metropolitan area]]]]
The '''Illinois Technology and Research Corridor''' is a region of commerce and industry located along [[Interstate 88 (west)|Interstate 88]] in the [[Chicago metropolitan area]], primarily in [[Cook County, Illinois|Cook]], [[DuPage County, Illinois|DuPage]], [[Kane County, Illinois|Kane]], and [[DeKalb County, Illinois|DeKalb Counties]].  The corridor is home to the headquarters or regional centers for many Fortune 1000 companies (including many specializing in research, development, logistics, and technology), several office and industrial parks, colleges and universities, research and scientific institutions, medical centers, government centers, and abundant shopping, dining, lodging, and entertainment amenities.  In addition to the I-90 [[Golden Corridor]], the I-94 [[Lakeshore Corridor]], and the I-55 Industrial Corridor, the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor is one of the principal economic centers in suburban Chicago.

== History ==
The first companies that formed the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor began locating in [[Naperville, Illinois|Naperville]] in the 1960s. In 1962, Northern Illinois Gas (now [[Nicor]]) moved its research and administrative facilities to Naperville in 1962, followed by [[Bell Labs|Bell Laboratories]] (1964), and the Amoco Research Center (now [[BP]]) in 1969.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.napersettlement.org/DocumentCenter/View/2521/Collection124ResearchAndDevelopmentCorridor?bidId=|title=Collection124ResearchAndDevelopmentCorridor|website=www.napersettlement.org|access-date=2019-12-28}}</ref>

In Batavia, [[Fermilab]] was established as the National Accelerator Laboratory in 1967, with its particle accelerator becoming operational in 1972.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/446.html|title=Fermilab|website=www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org|access-date=2019-12-29}}</ref>

The Corridor Group was formed in 1982, with representation by over 80 high technology companies, national labs, associated industries, and colleges and universities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.napersettlement.org/DocumentCenter/View/2521/Collection124ResearchAndDevelopmentCorridor?bidId=|title=Collection124ResearchAndDevelopmentCorridor|website=www.napersettlement.org|access-date=2019-12-28}}</ref>

==Cities and villages==
Cities and villages located partially or wholly within the scope of the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor include:
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*[[Aurora, Illinois|Aurora]]
*[[Batavia, Illinois|Batavia]]
*[[Big Rock, Illinois|Big Rock]]
*[[Campton Hills, Illinois|Campton Hills]]
*[[Carol Stream, Illinois|Carol Stream]]
*[[Clarendon Hills, Illinois|Clarendon Hills]]
*[[Cortland, Illinois|Cortland]]
*[[DeKalb, Illinois|DeKalb]]
*[[Downers Grove, Illinois|Downers Grove]]
*[[Elburn, Illinois|Elburn]]
*[[Elmhurst, Illinois|Elmhurst]]
*[[Geneva, Illinois|Geneva]]
*[[Glendale Heights, Illinois|Glendale Heights]]
*[[Glen Ellyn, Illinois|Glen Ellyn]]
*[[Hinckley, Illinois|Hinckley]]
*[[Hinsdale, Illinois|Hinsdale]]
*[[Kaneville, Illinois|Kaneville]]
*[[Lily Lake, Illinois|Lily Lake]]
*[[Lisle, Illinois|Lisle]]
*[[Lombard, Illinois|Lombard]]
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*[[Malta, Illinois|Malta]]
*[[Maple Park, Illinois|Maple Park]]
*[[Montgomery, Illinois|Montgomery]]
*[[Naperville, Illinois|Naperville]]
*[[North Aurora, Illinois|North Aurora]]
*[[Oak Brook, Illinois|Oak Brook]]
*[[Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois|Oakbrook Terrace]]
*[[Plano, Illinois|Plano]]
*[[Saint Charles, Illinois|St. Charles]]
*[[Sandwich, Illinois|Sandwich]]
*[[Somonauk, Illinois|Somonauk]]
*[[Sugar Grove, Illinois|Sugar Grove]]
*[[Sycamore, Illinois|Sycamore]]
*[[Villa Park, Illinois|Villa Park]]
*[[Virgil, Illinois|Virgil]]
*[[Warrenville, Illinois|Warrenville]]
*[[Waterman, Illinois|Waterman]]
*[[Westchester, Illinois|Westchester]]
*[[West Chicago, Illinois|West Chicago]]
*[[Westmont, Illinois|Westmont]]
*[[Wheaton, Illinois|Wheaton]]
*[[Winfield, Illinois|Winfield]]
*[[Woodridge, Illinois|Woodridge]]
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==Companies==

===Current===
[[Image:Oak Brook Tower.JPG|200px|thumb|right|The [[Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois|Oak Brook Terrace]] Tower, which contains nearly 800,000 square feet of office space and houses several companies, is the tallest building in suburban Chicago, standing at 418 feet (31 stories).]]
Major companies with a strong presence in the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor include:
*[[Ace Hardware]], a hardware store chain headquartered in [[Oak Brook, Illinois|Oak Brook]]
*[[Interpublic Group of Companies|Acxiom]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interpublic.com/our-agencies/agency?company_id=10862&agencyname=Acxiom%3Cbr%3E |title=Our Agencies {{!}} IPG |website=IPG |publisher=Interpublic Group |access-date=8 December 2018 }}{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> in [[Downers Grove, Illinois|Downers Grove]], is a customer and data information management company
*[[Aldi]], a grocery store chain with US headquarters in [[Batavia, Illinois|Batavia]]
*[[American President Lines|APL Logistics]], a freight transportation company with offices in [[Oak Brook, Illinois|Oak Brook]]
*[[Blistex, Incorporated]], a personal care products company headquartered in [[Oak Brook, Illinois|Oak Brook]]
*[[BP]], an international energy company with its [[North America]]n chemicals headquarters and research facilities in [[Naperville, Illinois|Naperville]]
*[[Calamos]], an asset management firm headquartered in [[Naperville, Illinois|Naperville]]
*[[Caterpillar Inc.|Caterpillar]], a construction equipment manufacturer with a plant in [[Montgomery, Illinois|Montgomery]]
*[[Commonwealth Edison|ComEd]], the regional electric utility for Northern Illinois with offices in [[Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois|Oakbrook Terrace]]
*[[ConAgra Foods]], a packaged foods company with offices in [[Naperville, Illinois|Naperville]]
*[[Constellation]], a Fortune 200 energy company, has its Nuclear headquarters in [[Warrenville, Illinois|Warrenville]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20070405/CRED03/200024491/exelon-nuclear-extends-lease-for-hq-at-cantera|title=Exelon Nuclear extends lease for HQ at Cantera|work=Crain's Chicago Business|access-date=2018-04-14}}</ref>
*[[Coskata, Inc.]], an energy research company headquartered in [[Warrenville, Illinois|Warrenville]]
*[[Crowe (company)|Crowe LLP]], a public accounting, consulting, and technology firm headquartered in [[Oakbrook Terrace]]
*[[Dover Corporation]], a manufacturer of specialized industrial products and equipment headquartered in [[Downers Grove, Illinois|Downers Grove]]
*[[Eby-Brown]], a wholesale distributor headquartered in [[Naperville, Illinois|Naperville]]
*[[Farm Progress]], an agricultural publication publisher headquartered in [[St. Charles, Illinois|St. Charles]]
*FGI Universal LLC, the largest frozen produce importer in the USA in [[Naperville, Illinois|Naperville]]
*[[First Alert]], a safety products company headquartered in [[Aurora, Illinois|Aurora]]
*[[Follett Corporation]], Bookseller, E-Commerce and software company in [[Westchester, Illinois|Westchester]]
*[[Hyundai Motor Company|Hyundai]], a motor vehicle company with regional offices in [[Aurora, Illinois|Aurora]]
*[[Joint Commission]], health institution or program accreditation agency headquartered in [[Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois|Oakbrook Terrace]]
*[[Mazda North American Operations]], an automotive manufacturer with regional offices in [[Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois|Oakbrook Terrace]]
*[[McMaster-Carr]], a private industrial supply company headquartered in [[Elmhurst, Illinois|Elmhurst]]
*[[MetLife]], an insurance company with offices in [[Aurora, Illinois|Aurora]]
*[[Microsoft]] a computer technology company with offices in [[Downers Grove, Illinois|Downers Grove]]
*[[Mitutoyo]], a company specializing in measuring instruments and metrological technology with U.S. headquarters in [[Aurora, Illinois|Aurora]]
*[[Molex]], an electronic components manufacturer headquartered in [[Lisle, Illinois|Lisle]]
*[[Nalco Holding Company|Nalco]], a water treatment and chemical company headquartered in [[Naperville, Illinois|Naperville]]
*[[Navistar International|Navistar]], an automotive manufacturer headquartered in [[Lisle, Illinois|Lisle]]
*[[Nicor]], a gas utility company headquartered in [[Naperville, Illinois|Naperville]]
*[[Nissan Motors]], an automotive manufacturer with offices in [[Aurora, Illinois|Aurora]] and [[Naperville, Illinois|Naperville]]
*[[Nokia]], an international telecommunications company, with offices in [[Naperville, Illinois|Naperville]] and [[Lisle, Illinois|Lisle]].
*[[Oberweis Dairy]], a dairy products company headquartered in [[North Aurora, Illinois|North Aurora]]
*[[Portillo's Restaurants]], a restaurant chain headquartered in [[Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois|Oakbrook Terrace]]
*[[Sanford L.P.]], a writing products manufacturer headquartered in [[Oak Brook, Illinois|Oak Brook]]
*[[SAP America]], the Americas' subsidiary of [[SAP AG]], the world's largest business software company with offices in [[Downers Grove]].
*[[Sara Lee Corporation|Sara Lee]], a food company formerly headquartered in [[Downers Grove, Illinois|Downers Grove]].  Rebranded Sara Lee Frozen Bakery and now headquartered in [[Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois|Oakbrook Terrace]].
*[[Smithfield Foods]], a meat products manufacturer with subsidiary Armour-Eckrich Meats headquartered in [[Lisle, Illinois|Lisle]] and a processing facility in [[St. Charles, Illinois|St. Charles]]
*[[Tellabs]], a telecommunications company headquartered in [[Naperville, Illinois|Naperville]]
*[[Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.]], an automobile manufacturer with regional offices in [[Aurora, Illinois|Aurora]] and [[Naperville, Illinois|Naperville]]
*VVF, a personal care products manufacturer with a plant in [[Montgomery, Illinois|Montgomery]]
*[[Ty (company)|Ty]], a soft toy company headquartered in [[Oak Brook, Illinois|Oak Brook]]
*[[Westell]], a modems manufacturer headquartered in [[Aurora, Illinois|Aurora]]

===Former===
*[[Laidlaw]], a bus transportation and solid waste company in [[Naperville, Illinois|Naperville]].  Dissolved in 2007.
*[[McDonald's]], a multinational fast food chain formerly headquartered in [[Oak Brook, Illinois|Oak Brook]].  Relocated to the [[Chicago's West Loop]] in 2016.
*[[Redbox]], a media rental company headquartered formerly in [[Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois|Oakbrook Terrace]].  Dissolved after bankruptcy in 2024.
*[[Sunshine Biscuits]], a cracker, cookie, and cereal manufacturer headquartered in [[Elmhurst, Illinois|Elmhurst]].  Acquired by [[Keebler]].

==Higher education institutions==
[[Image:Altgeld Hall-1st bldg on campus ever.JPG|200px|thumb|right|Altgeld Hall, a landmark building at [[DeKalb, Illinois|DeKalb]]'s [[Northern Illinois University]], the second-largest institution of higher education in the state of Illinois]]
*[[Aurora University]] is a private liberal arts college located in [[Aurora, Illinois|Aurora]]
*[[Benedictine University]] a private university located in [[Lisle, Illinois|Lisle]]
*The [[College of DuPage]] is a community college that primarily serves DuPage County, located in [[Glen Ellyn, Illinois|Glen Ellyn]]
*[[DeVry University]], headquartered in [[Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois|Oakbrook Terrace]], offers numerous technical degrees at its eight Chicago area campuses.
*[[Elmhurst University]] is a private liberal arts university in [[Elmhurst, Illinois|Elmhurst]]
*[[Illinois Institute of Technology]], with a campus in [[Wheaton, Illinois|Wheaton]], offers three degree programs in [[Information Technology]] and Management.
*[[Kishwaukee College]] is a community college that primarily serves DeKalb County, in [[Malta, Illinois|Malta]]
*[[Midwestern University]], a private graduate and professional school of health sciences in [[Downers Grove, Illinois|Downers Grove]]
*[[National-Louis University]] is a private [[Chicago]]-based university with a campus in [[Lisle, Illinois|Lisle]]
*[[North Central College]] is a private liberal arts college located in [[Naperville, Illinois|Naperville]]
*[[National University of Health Sciences]] is a private university focusing in health sciences in [[Lombard, Illinois|Lombard]]
*[[Northern Illinois University]], is a public university and research institution located in [[DeKalb, Illinois|DeKalb]].  It is the second largest institution of higher education in the state of Illinois in terms of enrollment. A satellite campus is located in [[Naperville, Illinois|Naperville]].
*[[Universal Technical Institute]] is a private for profit technical college based in [[Phoenix, Arizona]] with a satellite campus in [[Lisle, Illinois|Lisle]]
*[[Waubonsee Community College]] is a community college that primarily serves central & southern Kane County and northern Kendall County, in [[Sugar Grove, Illinois|Sugar Grove]]
*[[Wheaton College (Illinois)|Wheaton College]] is a private liberal arts college in [[Wheaton, Illinois|Wheaton]]

==Research institutions==
[[Image:Fermilab.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Fermilab, Batavia]]
*[[Argonne National Laboratory]], on {{Convert|1700|acre|km2|0}} in [[Lemont, Illinois|Lemont]], is the oldest national research institution in the United States, chartered in 1946. The only multipurpose national laboratory in the Midwest, Argonne manages and operates a range of scientific user facilities, including the [[Advanced Photon Source]], the [[Center for Nanoscale Materials]] and the [[Argonne Leadership Computing Facility]]. Argonne's annual budget is $650 million and employs 3,500 people. It is owned by the [[United States Department of Energy|Department of Energy]] and operated by UChicago Argonne LLC.
*[[Fermilab|Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory]], on {{Convert|6800|acre|km2|0}} in [[Batavia, Illinois|Batavia]], was commissioned on November 21, 1967 by the [[U.S. Atomic Energy Commission]]. It is home to the world's former highest energy [[particle accelerator]], [[Tevatron]]. The accelerator was built in 1983 at a cost of $120 million, and was upgraded in 1994 at a cost of $290 million. It employs 2,100 people.

==Medical centers==
[[Image:Rush-Copley Medical Center.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora]]
* Adventist GlenOaks Hospital, in [[Glendale Heights, Illinois|Glendale Heights]]
* Adventist Hinsdale Hospital, in [[Hinsdale, Illinois|Hinsdale]]
* [[Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital]], in [[Downers Grove, Illinois|Downers Grove]]
* [[Central DuPage Hospital]], in [[Winfield, Illinois|Winfield]]
* Delnor Community Hospital, in [[Geneva, Illinois|Geneva]]
* [[Edward Hospital]], in [[Naperville, Illinois|Naperville]]
* Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, in [[Elmhurst, Illinois|Elmhurst]]
* Kishwaukee Community Hospital, in [[DeKalb, Illinois|DeKalb]]
* Provena Mercy Medical Center, in [[Aurora, Illinois|Aurora]]
* [[Rush-Copley Medical Center]], in [[Aurora, Illinois|Aurora]]
[[Image:DeKalb County (IL) Courthouse.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The DeKalb County Courthouse, in Sycamore]]

==Government centers==
*DeKalb County Government Center and Courthouse, located in [[Sycamore, Illinois|Sycamore]]
*DuPage County Government Center, Judicial Center, and Fairgrounds, located in [[Wheaton, Illinois|Wheaton]]
*Kane County Government Center and Courthouse, located in [[Geneva, Illinois|Geneva]]
*Kane County Judicial Center and Fairgrounds, located in [[St. Charles, Illinois|St. Charles]]

==Shopping centers==
[[Image:WestfieldFoxValley-03.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Westfield Fox Valley, a regional enclosed shopping mall in Aurora.]]
*Cantera, an open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located in [[Warrenville, Illinois|Warrenville]]
*Chicago Premium Outlets, an outlet mall located in [[Aurora, Illinois|Aurora]]
*[[Geneva Commons]], an upscale, open-air lifestyle center located in [[Geneva, Illinois|Geneva]]
*[[Oakbrook Center]], a regional upscale, open-air shopping mall located in [[Oak Brook, Illinois|Oak Brook]].  It is the largest open-air shopping center in the contiguous United States.
*Town Square Wheaton, an upscale open-air shopping center located in [[Wheaton, Illinois|Wheaton]]
*[[Westfield Fox Valley]], a regional enclosed shopping mall located in [[Aurora, Illinois|Aurora]]
*[[Yorktown Center]], a regional enclosed shopping mall located in [[Lombard, Illinois|Lombard]]

==Points of interest==
[[Image:Arcada Theater Building (St. Charles, IL) 02.JPG|200px|thumb|right|The [[Arcada Theater Building|Arcada Theater]] building in downtown [[St. Charles, Illinois|St. Charles]]]]
[[Image:Riverwalk Quarry Moser Tower and Rotary Hill.jpg|200px|thumb|right|A view of the Naperville Riverwalk area and Moser Tower in downtown [[Naperville, Illinois|Naperville]]]]
*The Air Classics Museum, an aviation museum at [[Aurora Municipal Airport (Illinois)|Aurora Municipal Airport]] in [[Sugar Grove, Illinois|Sugar Grove]]
*The [[Arcada Theater Building|Arcada Theater]], a historic theater in downtown [[St. Charles, Illinois|St. Charles]]
*Blackberry Farm, a historical farmstead in [[Aurora, Illinois|Aurora]]
*[[Cantigny]], a large park with historical museums and gardens, in [[Wheaton, Illinois|Wheaton]]
*The [[Convocation Center (Northern Illinois University)|Convocation Center]], a 10,000-seat arena on the campus of [[Northern Illinois University]] in [[DeKalb, Illinois|DeKalb]]
*[[Drury Lane Theatre (Illinois)|Drury Lane Theatre]], a theater and dining center in [[Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois|Oakbrook Terrace]]
*The DuPage Children's Museum, a museum and interactive learning center in downtown [[Naperville, Illinois|Naperville]]
*The [[Egyptian Theatre (DeKalb, Illinois)|Egyptian Theatre]], a historic theater in downtown [[DeKalb, Illinois|DeKalb]]
*[[Elfstrom Stadium]], a minor league ballpark, home to the [[Kane County Cougars]], located in [[Geneva, Illinois|Geneva]]
*The [[Ellwood House]], a historical museum in [[DeKalb, Illinois|DeKalb]]
*The [[Joseph F. Glidden House|Glidden House]], a historical museum in [[DeKalb, Illinois|DeKalb]]
*The [[Grand Theatre (Wheaton, Illinois)|Grand Theatre]], a historical theater in downtown [[Wheaton, Illinois|Wheaton]]
*The [[Gurler House]], a historical museum in [[DeKalb, Illinois|DeKalb]]
*Hollywood Casino, a casino in downtown [[Aurora, Illinois|Aurora]]
*[[Huskie Stadium]], a 30,000-seat football stadium located on the campus of [[Northern Illinois University]] in [[DeKalb, Illinois|DeKalb]]
*[[Morton Arboretum]], a botanical garden located in [[Lisle, Illinois|Lisle]]
*The Naperville Riverwalk, a riverwalk and park located in downtown [[Naperville, Illinois|Naperville]] along the [[DuPage River]].  The area is also home to the Centennial Beach recreational area and the iconic Moser Tower
*Oakbrook Terrace Tower, a 31-story office building located in [[Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois|Oakbrook Terrace]].  It is the tallest building in suburban Chicago.
*The [[Paramount Theatre (Aurora, Illinois)|Paramount Theatre]], a historic theater located in downtown [[Aurora, Illinois|Aurora]]
*Pheasant Run and the Q Center, convention centers located in [[St. Charles, Illinois|St. Charles]]
*[[Phillips Park Zoo]], a zoological park featuring native species located in [[Aurora, Illinois|Aurora]]
*The Tivoli Theatre, a historic theater in downtown [[Downers Grove, Illinois|Downers Grove]]
*[[Two Brothers Roundhouse]], a historic roundhouse, museum, and dining center located in downtown [[Aurora, Illinois|Aurora]]

==See also==
*[[Golden Corridor]]
*[[Lakeshore Corridor]]
*[[List of technology centers]]
*[[List of edge cities]]

==References==
<references />

{{Chicagoland}}
{{DuPage County, Illinois}}
{{Kane County, Illinois}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Illinois Technology And Research Corridor}}
[[Category:Chicago metropolitan area]]
[[Category:Geography of Cook County, Illinois]]
[[Category:Geography of DeKalb County, Illinois]]
[[Category:Geography of DuPage County, Illinois]]
[[Category:Economy of Illinois]]
[[Category:High-technology business districts in the United States]]
[[Category:Geography of Kane County, Illinois]]
[[Category:Edge cities in the Chicago metropolitan area]]