Welcome
Mayor Chuck Steele and the City Council would like to welcome you to the City of Momence. Located in eastern Kankakee County, Illinois, and approximately 50 miles south of Chicago, Momence is a quiet, friendly community of 3300 residents, nestled along the Kankakee River. Historic Dixie Highway (Illinois Route 1) is the main north-south thoroughfare through the city. The City was established in 1834, and over the years, many organizations and individuals have worked to maintain its historic architecture - both commercial and residential.
We invite you to browse our website, where you will find information about the city's government, including agendas and minutes, financial reports, ordinances, elected officials, forms, and the various departments. Be sure to "Explore Momence" for the variety of events, recreational opportunities, and historic locations within the community. If you have recently moved to Momence, check out "New to Momence" for important local information.
The City Council strives to meet the public service needs of its citizens. We invite all to attend City Council Meetings, which are held at 7:30pm on the first and third Mondays of each month at City Hall (105 West Washington Street).
Housing
Cape Cods, bungalows and workers' cottages line the gridded streets, with sidewalks set far back from the road. Homes range between $80,000 and $170,000 and usually have detached garages accessible by alleyway. Victorian houses on the same streets are more spacious and sell for $160,000 to $250,000. As the area developed in the 1950s and later, ranch-style homes, bi-levels and New Traditional homes filled pocket neighborhoods on the outskirts. The slightly larger homes sell for $180,000 to $390,000. "They're attractive to people wanting more space while staying close to Kankakee," Steel says. The population isn't growing, but Steel explains that new residents are moving in, taking the place of those moving out. "It used to be the type of place where the only people living here were natives," he says. "But now, enough new people are moving here that I'm having difficulty keeping track."
Activities and attractions
The Graham Historic House is a unique attraction to residents and visitors who appreciate our community’s past preservation.
The City of Momence purchased this unique property, built-in 1869, in the summer of 1973. At the time, the house seemed destined to be demolished and the land to become a downtown parking lot. Members of the Momence Women’s Club approached then-Mayor Rex Rowe and the City Council with a proposal to preserve the house to create a small museum as a testament to its location and historical significance. By December of 1974, the Historical House renovations, were complete and a grand opening took place.
Unfortunately, over the years, house maintenance and repair needs fell from governmental priorities, as limited finances and budget constraints took precedence. In the late 1990’s, City Officials were faced with costs for a new roof, and discussion resurfaced on whether to raze, sell, or repair the home. Ultimately both public and private funding was acquired, and the house remains an important part of the city’s history.
The beautiful Italianate-style home, along with many other buildings in downtown Momence, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2006, an accomplishment of Main Street Momence.
In 2013, the house was renamed the Graham Historic House in honor of the original builder and owner, William Graham. Also, in the late summer of 2013, fresh renovations to the exterior and interior of the house began. These restorations completed would not have been possible without the generous donations of the Van Drunen family.
