Plans have been approved for a new community-focused recreation center at 3901 West Cermak Road, on the border between Little Village and Lawndale. The proposal, dubbed the One Lawndale Recreation Center, will replace a former CTA storage yard just east of the intersection with South Pulaski Road.
Site map of One Lawndale by Wight & Company
Massing of One Lawndale by Wight & Company
Efforts for the center are being led by the Lawndale Christian Development Corporation, with Wight & Company serving as the designers. The massive facility will consist of a single-story, 43-foot-tall structure. It will be surrounded by an 83-space parking lot for visitors at the front and a 22-space lot at the rear for staff.
Floor plans of One Lawndale by Wight & Company
Floor plans of One Lawndale by Wight & Company
Inside the 121,818-square-foot facility will be a small reception area, office space, a lounge with a concessions and pro shop, locker rooms, and a large boxing and fitness space. However, the majority of the building will be occupied by two 60-yard turf fields with bleacher seating, five basketball courts, and a wrestling room.
Rendering of One Lawndale by Wight & Company
Elevations of One Lawndale by Wight & Company
The building will be clad mostly in prefabricated panels, accented by decorative murals illustrating the timeline of sports. In total, the project is expected to cost around $38 million, with the developer hoping to close on funding soon ahead of a groundbreaking planned for late next year. If all goes according to plan, the facility should open to the public in Fall 2027.
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It’ll definitely be a nice addition to the neighborhood, but I just wish the parking lot was in the back.
Beautiful! I hope to learn more about its energy,sustainability and resilience (cooling center, food, shelter) plan. Also, I hope the recreational center would have a strong Title IX program to ensure woman and girls access to space.
Why is a private religious organization receiving public funds to build on public land that should be operated by the Chicago Park District? Allowing a religious operator raises concerns about exclusion and constitutional boundaries. Additionally, if the city’s goal is to increase revenue, it should prioritize uses of land that generate property taxes. Lawndale Christian’s tax-exempt ownership of multiple parcels along Ogden Avenue and surrounding areas shifts the tax burden onto local renters and homeowners.
This is wonderful but, where is the skating rink?