About Mount Prospect's Business History

Mount Prospect, Illinois was incorporated as a village in 1917, though its history extends back to the mid-1800s when German immigrants settled the area. Named for an elevated area with scenic views, the village grew from a small farming community into one of Chicago's most desirable suburbs.

Downtown Mount Prospect, centered around Main Street and Northwest Highway, was the commercial heart of the village for decades. Family-owned shops, local restaurants, and professional offices served generations of residents. The iconic Central Road shopping district and Randhurst Mall (opened 1962) later became major retail destinations.

Today, Mount Prospect continues to evolve while honoring its heritage. Our interactive map lets you explore what businesses occupied these familiar locations throughout the decades.

Mount Prospect by the Numbers

1917 Year Incorporated
54,000+ Current Population
100+ Years of Commerce
1962 Randhurst Mall Opened

Mount Prospect Through the Decades

1870s-1910s: Early Settlement

German immigrant farmers establish homesteads. A train station brings early commerce to the area.

1920s-1940s: Village Takes Shape

Downtown develops along Main Street with local shops, a pharmacy, and community gathering places.

1950s-1960s: Post-War Boom

Rapid suburban growth brings new families and businesses. Randhurst Mall opens in 1962 as a regional shopping destination.

1970s-1980s: Retail Expansion

Strip malls and shopping centers multiply. Rand Road becomes a major commercial corridor.

1990s-2000s: Revitalization

Downtown Mount Prospect sees renewed investment. Local restaurants and specialty shops thrive.

2010s-Present: Modern Era

Randhurst Village replaces the original mall. Mix of national chains and local businesses.

Notable Mount Prospect Locations

Downtown Main Street

The original commercial heart of the village, featuring local shops and restaurants since the 1920s.

Decades: 1920s - Present

Randhurst / Randhurst Village

Once the largest enclosed mall in the region, now transformed into an open-air shopping center.

Decades: 1962 - Present

Rand Road Corridor

Major commercial strip connecting Mount Prospect to surrounding communities with diverse retail.

Decades: 1960s - Present

Central Road

Shopping centers and local businesses serving residential neighborhoods.

Decades: 1970s - Present

Explore Nearby Communities

Mount Prospect is surrounded by other Chicago suburbs with their own rich histories:

Palatine Arlington Heights Des Plaines Prospect Heights Elk Grove Village

Remember Mount Prospect's Past?

Do you have photos, memories, or information about old Mount Prospect businesses? Help us preserve local history for future generations.

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