Towns and Nature: Kankakee, IL: Big Four Roundhouse and Railyard

(Satellite, you can still see the footprint of the roundhouse)

KB&S now owns the Big Four route between Kankakee and Lafayette, IN. They have retained just the two outside tracks of the railyard.

1939 Aerial Photo from ILHAP

Update:

Rich Westerman shared Kankakee County Museum's post
Richard FiedlerGroup Admin Great picture. Looks like the NYC- Big 4 Roundhouse behind the IC steamer.
James Johnson Because the Illinois Central crews usually got off at the Big Four station, engine were changed and the New York Central crew usually took over. The train appears to heading east. It is probably a New York Central diesel.

Steve Drassler posted

STOP---In the name of love (steam engines).

An Illinois Central steam locomotive sneaks in for a little servicing at the NYC/Big Four roundhouse in Kankakee, Illinois toward the end of the steam era.  The roundhouse was located on north Greenwood Avenue between Birch and Cypress Streets, about seven blocks east of the IC main tracks.  Photo c. 1956
Paul Jevert
I.C. 4-8-2 Mountain #2503
Justin Gillespie
A part of the roundhouse wall and 1 building still stand from the complex.

The foundation of the wall was left because it is a retaining wall for a parking lot.

Street View

Eric Berg commented on Rich's share
NYC 6019 at Big 4 roundhouse on Feb 14, 1961

Eric Berg commented on Rich's share
NYC 1754-1756 at Kankakee's Big 4 roundhouse on December 8, 1959.

Stuart Pearson posted three photos with the comment: "Early 1950's at the Roundhouse in Kankakee, IL."

Steve Drassler posted
NYC/Big Four roundhouse on North Greenwood Avenue in Kankakee, IL, late 50's, shortly before closing with the arrival of diesel power. I remember driving by there as a little kid with my folks, viewing that big, dirty smokey place with awe through the backseat car window.
Bill Edrington Did the Kankakee Belt use this roundhouse as well as the Big Four?
Steve Drassler Bill Edrington Yes. NYC (which was the "Kankakee Belt Line") engine crews got a few extra miles for going across town and back to/from the West Yards with the engines.
Larry Graham Indiana Division roundhouse?
Steve Drassler Dearborn
Karl Zumwalt was this the roundhouse at cypress st ?
Steve Drassler Cypress Street was right across the tracks from the roundhouse. The Big Four depot was on Cypress Street.

Darrell Burkhalter posted seven images with the comment: "Big 4 Roundhouse at Kankakee, Illinois where my Grandfather was Road Foreman of Engines."