Good Order: The Foundation of All Things
In December 2019, SOS Children’s Villages Illinois made significant progress and is nearing the end of Phase I of the Community Center project at 13th Street and Blue Island Avenue. As the 12-month long project continues, the last few weeks’ activities have focused on good order – the foundation of all things.
The construction project saw the final installation of rigid insulation around the foundation perimeter, excavation for interior isolated footings, as well as work to frame, install steel, and pour isolated footings on the west and south sides of the building.
Additionally, column footings for the entire building have been poured. Crews have been working hard to ensure foundation work is complete in order to begin the next phases of the project before the cold weather sets in.
The largest portion of time this month has been dedicated to crews installing the underground plumbing and electric for the building. We thank our partners at Lendlease for working diligently to stay on schedule with the construction project. The solid foundation being built for the Roosevelt Square Community Center is key to our creating an important and valuable resource for the surrounding neighborhoods and its residents for years to come.
The Roosevelt Square Community Center
This center, an 11,000 square foot space, will serve the children and families at our Roosevelt Square Village and surrounding communities. Programs will include academic, therapeutic, social, and recreational support; multi-use spaces for community members to connect to public resources and engage in training, activities, and events; as well as a signature culinary kitchen providing food and nutrition education, and jobs-skills training for the hospitality industry. In addition to the over one hundred children and families cared for by One Family Illinois, more than 5,000 people from the surrounding neighborhoods will be served by the center.
Ongoing Updates
Throughout the course of the construction project, visit the One Family Illinois blog to see videos, pictures, and updates on the progress of the building. We look forward to sharing each milestone reached in the development of this important community resource.
Ways to Support the Community Center Project
Through the generous commitment of time, resources, and financial support of many, One Family Illinois is determined to raise the necessary investments to build the Community Center and provide a beacon for the Village residents and surrounding neighborhoods. For ways to invest or learn more about the Community Center, visit here.