Funding has been approved for the upcoming redevelopment of the now-landmarked Up Top Building at 13100 South Ellis Avenue in Altgeld Gardens. Sitting at the center of the housing complex on the intersection with East 132nd Street, the former commercial building is now poised to become a new center for after-school programs.
Rendering of By The Hand Club For Kids by Present Future Architects
Back in July, we covered when the Plan Commission approved the redevelopment proposal led by nonprofit By The Hand Club For Kids. Now, the Chicago City Council has approved TIF funds for the project, designed by Present Future Architects. The plans will bring new life to the 1945-built curved structure, which has been sitting vacant for years.
Rendering of By The Hand Club For Kids by Present Future Architects
Rendering of By The Hand Club For Kids by Present Future Architects
The existing one-story, low-slung structure is split by a pass-through space with a skylight currently used as a memorial for victims of gun violence; this will be preserved and converted into the center’s new lobby. A long corridor will connect to nine classrooms, computer labs, a multi-purpose room, a reading room, a high-school kids’ lounge, and more.
Floor plans of By The Hand Club For Kids by Present Future Architects
A two-story addition will rise on the southern end of the historic building to hold a large indoor gym. This will bring the structure to a total of 9,800 square feet in size. Visitors will have access to 70 parking spaces across a renovated parking lot along the front of the building. Once completed, the center will offer programs for kids in grades K–12.
Rendering of By The Hand Club For Kids by Present Future Architects
Rendering of By The Hand Club For Kids by Present Future Architects
The overall project will cost nearly $26 million to complete. This will be covered via equity, New Markets Tax Credits, and the aforementioned $7.3 million in TIF money. This will allow the development team to begin applying for permits ahead of a groundbreaking later this year, with an anticipated completion date in the fall of 2027.
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