Des Plaines Yesterday and Today
Airport, Expressway Caused Overnight Changes for Des Plaines Hospitality Businesses
Lee Manor on site of Des Plaines Motor Inn.
Since O'Hare International Airport began offering commercial passenger flights in 1955, it has been a focus of the local economy. This was especially evident in its first decade, as Des Plaines built itself up to meet the needs of the airport. During the same period the opening of Kennedy Expressway catalyzed a series of changes that resulted in many Des Plaines’ motel properties being demolished or repurposed. The Kennedy Expressway, known as Northwest Expressway at the time, opened in 1960 and connected downtown Chicago and O'Hare. By 1962, airlines had abandoned Midway Airport in favor of O'Hare. Earlier: Des Plaines' first big hotel, the Thoma House. The opening of Kennedy Expressway catalyzed a series of changes that resulted in many …
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