“Uptown neighbors can once again enjoy the Clarendon Park Community Center, which reopened Monday after a years-long renovation project.

“The $13 million renovation of the beloved community center at 4501 N. Clarendon Ave. includes a new fitness space, dance studio, outdoor plaza and program rooms. The building is also now ADA-accessible and has air conditioning.

Ald. Angela Clay (46th), former 46th Ward Ald. James Cappleman, Park District CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, state Sen. Mike Simmons and community members gathered in the new building Monday afternoon for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“The completion of the renovations also means the return of the Garfield-Clarendon Model Railroad Club, which has operated out of the Clarendon Park Community Center since 1963. The club was founded in Garfield Park in 1947, later moving to Uptown, said club member Scott Baumgartner.

“The club’s model railroad boasts 1,500 feet of continuous track, which takes a model train about 35 minutes to go all the way around, Baumgartner said. The group is still reassembling its model railroad now that building construction is over, and it will resume holding weekly open houses for interested neighbors soon, he said. They also have a dedicated workshop in the community center — another new addition from the renovation, he said.

“The Clarendon Community Center was built in 1916 as a bath house to serve the Clarendon Municipal Beach. At the time, Lake Michigan’s shores abutted the building.

“The city converted the facility into a community center with gyms, club rooms and sports fields. A major renovation project in 1972 required the removal of the building’s signature towers, which eventually led to water infiltration and roof issues.

“The structure’s deteriorating condition landed it on a 2015 list of the Preservation Chicago’s “most threatened” historic buildings.

“In 2019, Park District officials unveiled multiple proposals for the site, including demolishing and replacing the structure. Neighbors and preservationists rallied to the building’s cause, helping convince the Park District to invest in its restoration.” (Savedra, Block Club Chicago, 7/8/25)

Preservation Chicago applauds Ald. Angela Clay and former Ald. James Cappleman for his commitment to seeing the Clarendon Park Community Center protected from demolition and for helping to solidify the necessary renovation funds. Preservation Chicago applauds the Chicago Park District for its flexibility, support and commitment to this important project and Tim Crowe from Wiss, Janney Elstner,.

Preservation Chicago was very involved with this effort and wish to recognize the Clarendon Park neighbors and community stakeholders who played an essential role in this effort and deserve special recognition for their unwavering support for this wonderful outcome. With special thanks to Katheryn Boyda, Melanie Eckner, Martin Tangora, Cindi Anderson, Stuart Berman, the Uptown Historical Society, the Clarendon Park Advisory Council, Uptown United and Uptown Chicago Commission.

Read the full story at Block Club Chicago

• Uptown’s Clarendon Park Community Center Reopens After $13 Million Renovation; The community center, built in 1916, was once threatened with demolition, but neighbors advocated for its preservation, Madison Savedra, Block Club Chicago, 7/8/25
• Clarendon Park Community Center in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood reopens, $16 million renovation; First Built in 1916, Was Once on Endangered List, Terry Keshner, WBBM AM, 7/9/25
• Uptown’s Clarendon Park Community Center Slated To Reopen After $13 Million Overhaul; Construction began in 2022 and was originally planned to be finished the next year. Now, the center is expected to be back open this spring, Madison Savedra, Block Club Chicago, 1/23/25
• Opening Timeline Revealed For Renovated Clarendon Community Center In Uptown, Ian Achong, Chicago YIMBY, 1/24/25
• Uptown’s Clarendon Park Community Center, Once Facing Wrecking Ball, Kicks Off $13 Million Overhaul; The renovation will restore the more than 100-year-old field house and add accessibility features and a new lobby, Joe Ward, Block Club Chicago, 9/14/22
• Plans for Clarendon Park Community Center are chugging along as railroad club hopes for return, Morgan Greene, Chicago Tribune, 11/2/20
• Uptown’s Clarendon Park Community Center is getting a $14.8M makeover, The project will spare the 103-year-old building from the wrecking ball, Jay Koziarz, Curbed Chicago, 9/30/19