“A $13 million overhaul of an Uptown park community center is expected to conclude after nearly three years, according to the Chicago Park District.
“Construction on the Clarendon Park Community Center started in September 2022 and was originally slated to be finished in 2023. The park district said it now expects to finish this spring, but there isn’t an exact date yet.
“The structure’s deteriorating condition landed it on Preservation Chicago’s 2015 Chicago 7 Most Endangered buildings list. The facility upgrades include new accessibility features, a renovated gym and dance studio, outdoor space and a remodeled lobby.
“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.
“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 facility included locker rooms and a promenade. Beachgoers could rent bathing suits, towels and lockers for 10 cents per adult, according to the Park District.
In the 1930s, the city filled in Lake Michigan as it expanded Lincoln Park north to Foster Drive, cutting off the bath house’s beachfront access. The city then 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.
“‘We came very close to having this demolished,’ then-Ald. James Cappleman (46th) said at the groundbreaking ceremony in 2022. ‘Every battle that had to be fought was fought and won.’
Preservation Chicago applauds 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.
The Clarendon Park neighbors and community stakeholders played an essential role in this effort and deserve special recognition for their unwavering support for this wonderful outcome with a special thanks to Katharine Boyda, Melanie Eckner, Martin Tangora, Cindi Anderson, Stuart Berman, the Uptown Historical Society, the Clarendon Park Advisory Council, Uptown United and Uptown Chicago Commission. (Savedra, Block Club Chicago, 1/23/25)
Read the full story at Block Club Chicago
- 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
- 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