Renovation Revealed For Cornell Square Park Field House In Back Of The Yards

Plans have been revealed for a major remodel of the Cornell Square Park field house at 1809 W 50th Street in Back Of The Yards. Located on the southwest intersection with S Wood Street, the field house serves the small park. The work is being led by the Chicago Park District with the help of the local alderman who are working with an undisclosed architect while funding has been secured for the work.

Context map of Cornell Park Field House via Google Maps

Cornell Square Park dates back to 1905 built by the South Park Commission, this is before the north, west, and south commissions merged into the system we know today. The park was created as part of a larger neighborhood system to alleviate conditions in some of the most congested tenement districts. With fieldhouses and community buildings that provided classes, vocational training, showers, healthcare, and inexpensive meals.

Image of Cornell Park Field House via Chicago Park District

These days field-houses serve as athletic and community centers, with the one at Cornell being nearly 120 years old. The $4.3 million remodel will restore its facade, windows and doors, concrete steps, ramps, and sidewalks. The pool’s bathrooms, showers, and locker rooms will also be overhauled along with the addition of a gender neutral bathroom according to Block Club.

View of Cornell Park Field House via Google Maps

Work will wrap up with additional ADA upgrades, updates to the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, as well as painting of most public areas. The work comes after the park had its outdoor facilities and courts improved in 2014. The project is being partially funded by a $1.2 million state grant for parks and recreation, with work expected to begin by the end of the year and completed by the end of 2025.

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