Details Revealed For New Field House In Jackie Robinson Park

Details have been revealed for a new field house at 10540 S Morgan Street in Washington Heights. Located within Jackie Robinson Park with its main entrance facing S Aberdeen Street, the new structure will replace a vacant one-story annex to Mount Vernon Elementary School. The project is being led by the Chicago Park District with local firm Booth Hansen working on its design.

Current site plan of new Jackie Robinson Park field house by Booth Hansen

Rendering of new Jackie Robinson Park field house by Booth Hansen

Field houses have a deep history in Chicago, dating back to the early 1900s as a building typology first pioneered in the city. These days there are over 240 of them across the park system that provide various services from gyms, pottery studios, and more for their communities. The new 18,0000square-foot structure will be named after the park and offer year-round programming.

Rendering of new Jackie Robinson Park field house by Booth Hansen

Floor plan of new Jackie Robinson Park field house by Booth Hansen

The building will have a swooping design with three wings connecting to the existing park. Inside will be a full-sized gym with a basketball court, pantry, multiple community rooms including a teen room, and a fitness center with lockers among others. A large mural of Jackie Robinson himself will also be featured near the entry lobby per the renderings. The exterior of the building will be clad in a multi-color panel system as well.

Rendering of new Jackie Robinson Park field house by Booth Hansen

Rendering of new Jackie Robinson Park field house by Booth Hansen

No additional parking will be created to support the building, with street parking and the school’s parking lot available nearby. Future visitors will be able to access the building via CTA bus service for Routes 8 and 103 nearby. The structure will be funded via a $15 million state grant, with work anticipated to commence this upcoming summer and be completed by summer 2025.

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