The Chicago Plan Commission has approved the community center at 6020 S King Drive in Washington Park. Set to partially replace a vacant lot on the southwest intersection with E 60th Street, news on the project broke over a year ago and has since been reviewed by the community. The project is being led by Sunshine Gospel Ministries and the Chicago Neighborhood Initiative.
Site map of Sunshine Community Center by Civic Projects Architecture
Site plan of Sunshine Community Center by Civic Projects Architecture
Sitting across the street from Washington Park, the structure will rise three stories tall on the main street corner. The building will be surrounded by a small plaza, outdoor park space with walking paths, sports courts and 90 vehicle parking space. The exterior will be clad in concrete, precast panels, and multi-colored metal fins.
First floor of Sunshine Community Center by Civic Projects Architecture
Second floor of Sunshine Community Center by Civic Projects Architecture
Designed by local firm Civic Projects Architecture, the building will deliver 75,000 square-feet of community space. The center will serve families, seniors and youth with after school and athletic programs. This will be achieved via a 2,000 square-foot cafe, community room, 20,000 square-foot fitness facility with two courts, and 10,000 square-feet of classroom and multi-use space.
Rendering of Sunshine Community Center by Civic Projects Architecture
Rendering of Sunshine Community Center by Civic Projects Architecture
The project will need to finalize a land purchase from the city prior to moving forward. With the budget also growing from roughly $32 million last year to $38.1 now, having secured nearly half of that from a state grant. Currently a construction timeline is unknown, with the project needing further approval from City Council for its rezoning.
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A community center with athletic facilities and space for senior and youth programs being built by a non-for-profit on the south side.
Wow, what a creative and novel idea! Never seen this before….
Each one built will make the life for the local residents a bit better. The more, the better really
The community doesn’t need another gymnasium for the youth- they’re not going to use it. The community needs modern housing – why do you think the lot is vacant in the first place? A mixed-use facility would be a better fit. Are they building gyms and dance studios on the north side? No, they’re building mixed-use, modern spaces.