We’ve Presented the Building to the Neighborhood
Last year when construction began, in addition to a host of other activity, one of the very first tasks completed during phase one of the construction process was the installation of the fence around the site perimeter. The temporary blue wall secured the site and served as a visible representation to our community that construction was underway.
For five months the construction crew worked on task after task to create what would soon be another important anchor in our neighborhood soon providing much needed services to area residents. Then again in March, we reached another milestone as the building peaked over the fence line. This “opened the window” into the construction process and allowed our community to get their first glimpse of the actual building.
Just four short months later, in July we, once again, reached another important milestone when we removed the temporary blue wall, and presented the building to the neighborhood. As the fence was taken down, both community residents and groups began emailing the organization sharing their excitement in getting to see a much bigger look at the new community center opening in fall 2020.
In July 2020, One Family Illinois saw the last few weeks of work include a significant amount on the exterior of the building as the permanent power was installed. Additionally, other exterior work involved the completion of the sewer tap, as well as the detention system for stormwater. As mentioned, the fencing around the perimeter was removed. Also, site work for the building’s landscaping was initiated.
Work inside the building continued as well, as we enter the home stretch of the construction process. The metal, hollow-core doors, and finishes were installed, as was the cabinetry in the staff lounge. Additionally, bathroom fixtures for the various restrooms in the Center were installed. We look forward to more progress as the building nears completion.
Construction Timetable
As you will notice from the construction timeline presented in the last few blogs and below in this update, our friends at Lendlease have helped us achieve a great victory by keeping to our construction schedule. Supporting our children and families, Foster Parents, and staff is more important now than ever, and our new center will help us in so many capacities by providing needed programs and services. Below is a timetable of the community center’s construction:
Construction Began – October 2019
Foundation Complete – December 2019
Structure Complete – February 2020
Structure Enclosed – June 2020
Occupancy of Center – Mid-September 2020
Construction Complete – End of September 2020
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.
Missed a moment? Check out the updates from September, October, November, December, January 2020, February 2020, March 2020, April 2020, and May 2020, June 2020.
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,