Harvey, IL
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks
- Transport
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Museums and Cultural Venues
- Sports and Sporting Legends
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Institutions and Services
Harvey is a city in Cook County, Illinois, United States. Founded in 1891 as a model temperance town, it is a suburb south of Chicago with a rich industrial and transportation history.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Full Official Name: Harvey, Illinois
- Administrative Role: Harvey is a city and home rule municipality within Cook County . It is not a county seat, which is Chicago.
- Location: The city is located in the state of Illinois, in the United States. It is part of the Chicago Southland region, situated approximately 20 miles south of downtown Chicago . Cook County is the second-most populous county in the U.S. and the heart of the Chicago metropolitan area.
Historical Names and Nicknames
Harvey does not have widely known historical names or nicknames, but it is notable for its planned origin.
- Founding Context: The city was originally intended as a "model town for Christian values" and was one of the "Temperance Towns," where the sale of alcohol was forbidden .
- Film Legacy: Harvey is sometimes referenced in connection with the iconic 1980 film "The Blues Brothers," as the chase scene was filmed inside the now-demolished Dixie Square Mall .
Founding Date and Age
- Founding: Harvey was founded in 1891 by Turlington W. Harvey, a Chicago capitalist and associate of Dwight L. Moody . A public vote for incorporation was held on April 12, 1890, and the city was officially incorporated as a village in May 1891 . It was chartered as a city in 1895 .
- Age: The city is 134 years old (as of 2025).
Geographical Position and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 41°36′39″N 87°39′07″W .
- Location: Harvey is an inland suburb located on a flat plain in northeastern Illinois. It is bordered by several other suburbs: Dixmoor and Riverdale to the north; Dolton, Phoenix, and South Holland to the east; East Hazel Crest to the south; and Hazel Crest, Markham, and Posen to the west .
- Elevation: The city has an elevation of approximately 604 feet (184 meters) above sea level .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Historically an industrial suburb, Harvey's economic landscape has shifted. Today it functions primarily as a residential community and transportation hub.
- Historic Industrial Center: In its early decades, Harvey was a significant manufacturing suburb. The 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica noted its production of railway supplies, mining machinery, and motor vehicles . It was later home to the Buda Engine Co., acquired by Allis-Chalmers in 1953 .
- Transportation Hub: The city is strategically located at the junctions of major interstates and four national and multinational railroad lines, making it a significant point for logistics and transport .
- Residential Community: Today, it is primarily a residential suburb within the Chicago metropolitan area.
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 census, the population of Harvey is 20,324 .
- Population Class: Harvey is a small to mid-sized city. Its peak population was 35,810 in 1980, and it has seen a decline since then .
- Demographics: The city is diverse. As of the 2020 census, the racial makeup was 62.63% African American, 29.72% Hispanic or Latino, and 5.87% White .
City's "Business Card" (Brief)
Harvey, Illinois, is a historic industrial suburb south of Chicago, founded as a "model town" in the 19th century. Today, it is known as a diverse community and a point of interest for film fans, as it was the filming location for the iconic mall chase scene in the 1980 classic, "The Blues Brothers" .
Geography
Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)
While there are no major rivers or lakes within the city limits of Harvey, the area is defined by its proximity to Lake Michigan.
- Lake Michigan: The city is located about 10-15 miles west of Lake Michigan . This massive freshwater lake is the primary source for the region's water and a major geographical feature that influences the local climate and provides recreational opportunities.
Unique Landscapes and Natural Features
The landscape in and around Harvey is typical of the Chicago Southland region.
- Calumet Park: Located in neighboring communities, the Calumet region includes parks and forest preserves along the Little Calumet River, offering scenic views and picnic areas . This area represents the flat, glacially-formed terrain common to the region.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Harvey has a humid continental climate, characterized by four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
Average Temperatures and Seasonality
Based on long-range forecasts for the region, winters are generally cold, and summers are warm to hot .
- Winter (December-February): Winters are cold, with temperatures often below freezing. The coldest periods are typically from mid-December through early February. Snowfall is common, with snowier periods in December, January, and early March .
- Spring (March-May): Spring is a transitional season with a mix of weather. March can start snowy and chilly but warms up by the end of the month, with showers becoming common . April and May temperatures are typically above normal.
- Summer (June-August): Summers are warm to hot and humid. The hottest periods are usually in early June and from late June into early July. Rainfall is typically above normal during the summer months .
- Fall (September-November): Fall is generally cooler and drier than the summer, with September and October often being pleasant.
Best Time to Visit
The most pleasant times to visit Harvey for outdoor activities are during the late spring (May) and early fall (September-October), when temperatures are mild and comfortable for exploring the region.
Landmarks
[Dixie Square Mall (Site of)]
Though the physical structure no longer stands, the site of the Dixie Square Mall is arguably Harvey's most famous landmark due to its pop culture legacy.
- Full Name: Dixie Square Mall
- Famous For: The mall opened in 1966 and gained nationwide fame as the filming location for the iconic shopping mall chase scene in the 1980 blockbuster film "The Blues Brothers" starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd . The mall closed in 1978, just before the film's release, and its vacant shell became a notorious symbol of economic decline before being demolished in recent years. Its legacy continues to draw film enthusiasts and urban explorers interested in its story .
[Historic Old City Hall]
The original Harvey city hall is a point of architectural and historical interest.
- Full Name: Historic Old City Hall Restoration Project
- Location: 154th Street, Harvey, IL .
- Significance: This building represents the city's early 20th-century civic architecture and is the focus of a restoration project, aiming to preserve a key piece of the city's heritage .
[The Harvey House]
A preserved historic building that offers a glimpse into the town's architectural heritage from its industrial heyday.
- Full Name: The Harvey House
- Significance: This building now serves as a museum, showcasing artifacts and stories from Harvey's past, including its time as a bustling industrial and railroad suburb .
Transport
Main Airports
Harvey is strategically located between the two major airports serving the Chicago region .
- Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW): Located approximately 20 miles north of Harvey, this airport is closer and handles many domestic and low-cost carriers.
- O'Hare International Airport (ORD): One of the busiest airports in the world, O'Hare is located further north, approximately 35-40 miles from Harvey, and serves as a major global hub.
Commuter Rail
Harvey is well-integrated into the Chicago area's Metra commuter rail system .
- Metra Electric Line: The city is served by two stations on the Metra Electric District's University Park line, providing direct service to downtown Chicago (Millennium Station).
- 147th Street (Sibley Boulevard) Station: Located at Clinton Street .
- 154th Street Station: Located at Park Avenue .
Bus Service
The city is a hub for local bus transportation.
- Pace Bus: Eleven routes of Pace, the suburban bus service, serve Harvey, connecting it to surrounding suburbs. The Pace Harvey Transportation Center serves as a central hub for these routes .
Major Highways
Harvey is easily accessible from several major roadways .
- Interstates: The city is located at the junctions of major interstates, including I-94 (Bishop Ford Freeway) and I-294 (Tri-State Tollway), which provide crucial links to Chicago, Indiana, and the wider region .
- US Routes: Historic US Route 6 passes through the city .
- Illinois Routes: Illinois Route 1 (Halsted Street) is a major north-south thoroughfare running through the east side of town . Dixie Highway is another key local road .
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
Leonel's Market (The "Storefront")
For some of the best tacos and tortas in all of Cook County, locals and visitors alike head to Leonel's Market, affectionately nicknamed "the Storefront" . This unassuming spot has gained a reputation that extends far beyond Harvey, with people traveling from across the south suburbs to eat there . The menu features authentic Mexican flavors that have made it a true community landmark.
Gus's
A can't-miss establishment in Harvey, Gus's is renowned for its hearty breakfast offerings, particularly its filling omelets . Beyond the food itself, the building housing Gus's is notable, adding architectural interest to the culinary experience .
Gloria's
For those looking to enjoy a night out, Gloria's stands as Harvey's only Black-owned bar downtown . Operating as a speakeasy-style establishment, it offers a unique atmosphere to grab a drink with friends and experience local nightlife .
Museums and Cultural Venues
Harvey World Wall
While not a traditional museum, the "Harvey World Wall" serves as an important outdoor cultural landmark in the city . This vibrant mural was created by Dixmoor native and Thornton alumnus Amoz Wright, along with other local artists . Located on the side of the famed Harvey Boxing Club, the mural was designed to spread positivity and light across the city, offering visitors a chance to appreciate public art while sitting on nearby park benches . It represents the community's artistic spirit and commitment to beautifying the urban landscape.
Sports and Sporting Legends
Harvey Boxing Club
The Harvey Boxing Club is a storied institution in the city, known for its role in training local athletes and fostering a strong boxing tradition . The club's building gained additional prominence as the site of the "Harvey World Wall" mural, cementing its status as both a sports and cultural landmark in the community .
Universities and Educational Institutions
Thornton Township High School
Thornton Township High School stands as Harvey's only high school, but its campus is described as "grandiose and commanding" . The school serves as an educational anchor for the community and has produced notable alumni, including Amoz Wright, one of the artists behind the Harvey World Wall mural . The impressive campus architecture contributes to Harvey's rich collection of early 20th-century buildings.
Healthcare Institutions and Services
UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital
The primary healthcare facility serving Harvey is UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital, located at 1 Ingalls Drive . This historic hospital has partnered with the University of Chicago Medicine to bring expert medical care directly to the Harvey community . The hospital operates 24 hours a day and is wheelchair accessible .
The hospital has recently expanded its services, particularly in women's health. In December 2025, a new OB/GYN clinic opened in the Professional Building of Ingalls Memorial, featuring six exam rooms including a dedicated procedure room . This expansion was driven by community needs identified in outreach efforts, specifically addressing limited access to prenatal care, complex gynecologic care, and high-risk pregnancy services in the area .
The medical team includes numerous specialists:
- Dr. Jamie Horn serves as Chair and Medical Director of the Family Birth Center
- General obstetricians and gynecologists include Dr. David Goodyear, Dr. Aishat Adebisi, Dr. Jameela Media, Dr. Obioma Oparanozie, Dr. Shanice Robinson, Dr. Zhana Smith, Dr. Biren Shah, Dr. Anjali Thukhral, Dr. Jacqueline White, and Dr. Andrea Loberg
- Dr. Bridget Huysman provides high-risk pregnancy care through maternal-fetal medicine
- Dr. Hannah Ryles is a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon offering laparoscopic, robotic, and hysteroscopic options for conditions like uterine fibroids and endometriosis
- Dr. Han Cun began offering GYN Oncology services in March 2026
The hospital accepts all Managed Care Organization (MCO) Medicaid types to ensure broad access to care for all patients . Additional services include the Ingalls Cancer Care Center on campus .
Oak Street Health Halsted Primary Care Clinic
Located at 15901 Halsted Street, Oak Street Health Halsted is a primary care clinic specializing in the care of adults with Medicare coverage . The clinic welcomes new patients and develops personalized preventive care plans to help patients achieve their physical and mental health goals .
Operating Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the clinic offers comprehensive services including :
- Primary care specializing in adults 65 and older
- Chronic condition management
- Wellness and preventive medicine
- Immunizations (flu, COVID-19, shingles)
- In-house laboratory services
- Specialist referrals within the network
The clinic accepts Original Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement/Medigap plans, and Medicare-Medicaid plans . Patients can schedule in-person, phone, or video visits, and the care team assists with coordinating specialist appointments and social services .