All About McIntosh, Barrington, IL

You’ll discover that Barrington’s transformation from a rural settlement to one of Chicago’s most prestigious suburbs didn’t happen by chance. Arthur T. McIntosh’s calculated vision in the early 1900s set the stage for what would become a masterclass in thoughtful community development. While many developers of his era focused solely on quick profits, McIntosh’s approach centered on creating lasting value through ethical practices and rigorous standards. His influence extends far beyond the elegant homes and tree-lined streets you see today—it’s woven into the very fabric of Barrington’s identity, and there’s quite a story behind how it all came to be.

Key Takeaways

• Arthur T. McIntosh transformed Barrington into a prestigious community by developing exclusive neighborhoods and establishing strict construction standards.
• The McIntosh Company operated from 1907 to 1985, developing over 500 neighborhoods while prioritizing ethical development practices.
• McIntosh acquired 1,500 acres of land and priced early Barrington homes between $9,000 and $20,000.
• During the Depression, McIntosh introduced Jewel Tea Company to Barrington, creating local employment opportunities.
• Milius B. McIntosh served as the first Village President, actively participating in community development and establishing protective covenants.

The Early Days in Barrington

While Native American tribes first inhabited the Barrington area, the region’s transformation into a settled community began when pioneers from Troy, New York, arrived after signing treaties with the indigenous Potawatomi and Mascoutin peoples.

Initial settlement plans were delayed due to the Black Hawk War in 1832.

You’d be amazed to know that many of the roads you’re cruising down today – Algonquin, Rand, Higgins, and St. Charles – were actually Native American trails. Talk about recycling infrastructure!

As settlers poured into what they called Miller Grove (later renamed Barrington Center), they didn’t waste time making themselves at home. S.W. Kingsley built the first frame house in 1841, probably thinking he was hot stuff with his fancy wooden walls.

The real game-changer came in 1854 when the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company decided to crash the party with their railroad extension. That’s when Robert Campbell, who clearly had a knack for real estate, bought a farm and basically said, “Let’s call this place Barrington.”

McIntosh’s Vision for Growth

A visionary in every sense, Arthur T. McIntosh wasn’t just another developer looking to make a quick buck – he was the mastermind who transformed Barrington into the prestigious community you see today.

You’ve got to admire his audacity: while others were slapping up cookie-cutter subdivisions, McIntosh was busy creating exclusive havens like Inverness, where you won’t find a single streetlight messing up your view of the stars.

Think you’ve seen thorough planning? McIntosh took it to another level. He bought up everything from dairy farms to hog farms, creating a massive 1,500-acre canvas for his vision. The early homes in Inverness were carefully priced between $9,000 and $20,000.

And get this – he wasn’t just about fancy houses. During the Depression, he helped bring Jewel Tea Company to town, creating jobs when people needed them most. Talk about perfect timing!

You can’t miss his legacy today. Those strict construction standards he set? They’re why Barrington’s still got that natural, unspoiled feel. The area continues to maintain its suburban charm while offering modern amenities to residents.

No ugly fences, no concrete jungle – just thousands of trees he planted himself. Even the village hall of Inverness sits in his old farm’s silos. Now that’s what you call leaving your mark!

Legacy of Real Estate Development

The Arthur T. McIntosh Company didn’t just build houses – they crafted entire communities that you’re probably living in right now. From 1907 until 1985, this powerhouse of real estate development transformed Chicago’s pastures into some of the most sought-after neighborhoods you’ll find, and boy, did they leave their mark.

Just like ethical public speaking, their developments were built with a strong sense of responsibility and respect for the communities they served. You’ve got to appreciate their crazy-ambitious vision. These folks weren’t content with just slapping together a few subdivisions; they went all in, developing over 500 of them across the Chicago area.

And get this – they weren’t about cramming as many cookie-cutter houses as possible into tiny lots. Instead, they actually gave a damn about preserving natural landscapes and setting standards that would make today’s developers cry.

Look at Inverness – those four silos that make up the village hall? That’s pure McIntosh swagger right there.

The company’s influence is so deep-rooted that even after their dissolution in ’85, you can’t throw a stone in Palatine or Barrington without hitting a McIntosh legacy project.

It’s like they played SimCity in real life, except instead of pixels, they used actual acres and created communities that still thrive today.

Building a Thriving Community

Starting in 1926, McIntosh’s community vision kicked off with the purchase of Temple Farm, sparking a 20-year acquisition spree that would transform 11 farms into today’s Inverness.

Let’s be real – who else would have the guts to buy up dairy farms, grain fields, and even a hog farm to create something this amazing?

You’ve got to appreciate McIntosh’s bold middle finger to cookie-cutter developments. They said “hell no” to boring streetlights, cookie-cutter curbs, and those awful chain-link fences that make neighborhoods look like prison yards.

Instead, you’ll find one-acre lots that actually follow the land’s natural curves, thousands of planted trees, and homes that don’t look like they were stamped out by some suburban factory.

When the first homes hit the market in 1939 for $9,000 to $20,000 (chump change by today’s standards), they weren’t just selling houses – they were selling freedom.

The serene environment of Barrington continues to attract families seeking a peaceful suburban lifestyle.

Built around Chicago’s first golf course-centered community, every Colonial and rustic-style home had to meet strict standards. These standards helped ensure homes that once sold for modest prices are now worth over more than $225,000.

Yet somehow, they managed to preserve nature while creating luxury – imagine that!

Architectural Impact Through Time

You’ll find McIntosh’s architectural fingerprints all over town, from those rickety wooden steps of early business buildings to the grand two-story brick structures that rose from the ashes of 1890s fires. The need for change came when frame stores burned, forcing the town to rebuild with more durable materials.

When you look at the mix of Colonial Revival homes and Craftsman bungalows lining West Lake Street, you’re seeing the evolution of a community that wasn’t afraid to get creative with its architectural identity. These diverse architectural styles create welcoming neighborhoods that continue to attract families to Barrington today.

The stunning Classical Revival style of 145 West Main Street stands as a showcase of Fred Lines’ craftsmanship, and let’s be honest, it’s probably the fanciest building you’ll spot in your afternoon stroll through the historic district.

Early Design Influences

Early influences on McIntosh’s architectural landscape emerged from both practical necessities and classical design traditions. You’ll find a fascinating mix of no-nonsense settler practicality and high-brow architectural ambitions, because apparently, even farmers wanted a touch of class while trudging through muddy streets.

Let’s break down the key influences that’ll make you appreciate McIntosh’s architectural evolution:

1. The settlers weren’t messing around – they built functional frame structures with outhouses (because indoor plumbing was clearly too fancy for their taste).
2. Fred Lines brought Classical Revival style to town in 1898, showing everyone that you don’t have to live like a peasant forever.
3. That quirky octagonal rubblestone foundation trend, thanks to Orson Squire Fowler’s wild ideas, gave buildings some serious character.
4. Jefferson’s neoclassical influence snuck in, because apparently if it’s good enough for Monticello, it’s good enough for Barrington. Much like Jefferson’s work on the Virginia State Capitol, this style helped establish a more sophisticated architectural standard in the region.

You can thank Milius B. McIntosh for turning this architectural hodgepodge into something special, as he strategically platted attractive lots that drew retired farmers and successful businesspeople away from the town center.

His vision transformed McIntosh from a muddy farming town into a respectable community with tree-lined streets and substantial homes.

Victorian-Era Building Elements

While McIntosh’s early settlers laid the groundwork for architectural development, the Victorian era transformed the town’s landscape between 1850 and 1900. You’ll find evidence of this transformation in West Lake Street, where McIntosh himself developed lots that’d make any architecture buff drool – we’re talking steep gables that reach for the sky like they’re trying to poke holes in heaven. When McIntosh became first elected mayor in 1866, it marked a new era of organized development in the area.

Style	Key Features	Where to Spot It
Italianate	Arched windows, brackets	Business district
Queen Anne	Steep pitched roofs	West Lake Street
Eastlake	Ornate woodwork	Residential areas

Let’s be honest – these Victorians weren’t exactly minimalists. They threw everything at their buildings, from stained glass that’ll make your eyes pop to woodwork so intricate it’ll give you carpal tunnel just looking at it. You can thank folks like Fred Lines, who in 1898 built that showstopper at 145 West Main Street, for setting the bar high. And while some might call it excessive, these architectural features weren’t just for show – they transformed Barrington from a modest farming town into a place where you’d actually want to be seen strolling down those tree-lined streets.

Preserving McIntosh’s Building Legacy

McIntosh’s architectural footprint stretches far beyond Victorian-era charm, with preservation efforts shaping Barrington’s identity for over a century.

You can thank Fred Lines, McIntosh’s son-in-law, for building some of the most eye-catching properties, including that gorgeous Classical Revival masterpiece at 145 West Main Street.

For accurate historical information, this area falls under place name disambiguation, helping researchers distinguish it from other Barrington locations.

Let’s be honest – when you’re building homes for bankers like John Robertson, you’d better bring your A-game!

If you’re wondering why Barrington’s streetscape looks like an architectural greatest hits album, here’s what makes McIntosh’s legacy so darn special:

1. The company developed over 500 subdivisions, including the swanky Inverness community.
2. They insisted on strict construction standards that’d make today’s developers cry.
3. Homes were built on massive one-acre lots with Colonial and rustic vibes.
4. They pioneered the first Chicago-area subdivision centered around a golf course.

You’re still living McIntosh’s vision today, whether you realize it or not.

The Historic District, established in 2001, keeps protecting these architectural gems from getting bulldozed by McMansion-loving developers.

Talk about playing the long game – McIntosh knew exactly what he was doing!

Notable Residential Transformations

Throughout the Chicago suburbs, visionary residential transformations by McIntosh have shaped some of the region’s most prestigious communities.

You’ll find their masterful touch in places like Inverness, where they turned Temple Farm into a golfer’s paradise while somehow managing not to tick off Mother Nature in the process. Let’s be honest – that’s no small feat.

You’ve got to appreciate how they transformed places like Palatine Farms and Fairgrounds Park after World War I, when most developers were just slapping houses together like a kid with Lincoln Logs. The company’s 500-plus subdivisions stand as a testament to their development prowess.

But not McIntosh – they were all about those protective covenants and architectural standards that’d make your perfectionist aunt proud.

And don’t even get me started on Turnberry and Aberdeen, where they’ve managed to preserve more natural terrain than your average tree-hugger.

Want to see their crown jewel? Check out the Inverness Village Hall, complete with four silos that scream “we’re fancy but we haven’t forgotten our farming roots.”

It’s this kind of attention to detail that’s made McIntosh developments the go-to spots for folks who want their McMansions with a side of actual character.

McIntosh’s Leadership Style

Beyond the physical landmarks and residential developments stands a leadership legacy that began in 1866 with Milius B. McIntosh, Barrington’s first elected Village President.

You’ve got to hand it to the guy – while other leaders were probably sitting around twiddling their thumbs, McIntosh was out there actually getting stuff done.

Let’s break down why his leadership style was so darn effective:

1. He wasn’t just talking the talk – he literally put his own land on the line by platting and selling lots to build the community.
2. Unlike today’s politicians who can’t decide what to have for lunch, McIntosh had a clear vision and actually executed it.
3. He focused on attracting diverse residents, from retired farmers to businesspeople, creating a real melting pot.
4. The man understood that economic growth meant bringing in dairy farms and cheese factories – because who doesn’t love cheese?

His proactive, community-focused approach set the gold standard for village leadership.

While modern leaders struggle with PowerPoint presentations about “incivility,” McIntosh was busy laying the groundwork for a thriving community that would last generations.

Now that’s what you call getting your priorities straight!

Much like his namesake descendant who would later provide personalized coaching for entrepreneurs, McIntosh knew the importance of guiding others toward success.

Preserving Barrington’s Historic Character

In the face of rapid modernization, Barrington has worked tirelessly to maintain its historic charm through an extensive preservation strategy. You’ll find they’re not messing around – since 2001, their Historic Overlay District has been putting the smackdown on anyone who thinks they can just waltz in and slap vinyl siding on a Victorian masterpiece.

Want to change your historic home’s exterior? Good luck with that. You’ll need to sweet-talk the Architectural Review Commission into giving you a Certificate of Appropriateness, and trust me, they’re pickier than your mother-in-law at Thanksgiving dinner.

But hey, it’s working – just look at the Barrington White House, which they’ve transformed from a crusty old mansion into a stunning cultural center that’ll make you forget you’re in the 21st century. The space is set to become a hub for community events and programs that will bring residents together.

You’re not just preserving buildings here; you’re protecting the soul of Barrington. The proof’s in the pudding – property values are up, businesses are thriving, and the village’s character remains intact. It’s like a time machine that actually makes money.

Final Thoughts

You can’t help but marvel at how McIntosh’s fingerprints are all over modern Barrington. From the pristine neighborhoods he meticulously planned to the architectural standards that still define the town’s character, his vision wasn’t just about selling plots – it was about crafting a legacy. Whether you’re cruising past historic homes or enjoying the preserved natural spaces, you’re experiencing the lasting impact of a man who dared to dream bigger than just another suburban sprawl.