Taking Memories and Leaving Footings
SOS Illinois is well into phase one of the Community Center project at 13th Street and Blue Island Avenue. As the 12-month long continues, the last few weeks have been a flurry of activity, despite the season’s early snow.
The construction project saw the installation of temporary construction fencing, windscreen, and rolling gates. Also, a temporary shed for power equipment during construction was put in place. Site clearing and removal of spoils generated from surface scraping was finished.
The crew installed stone pads for the construction trailer and construction turnstile entrance. Additionally, the construction trailer was delivered and connected. Last, the concrete pad for construction turnstile entrance and guard shack was poured and is now complete.
The largest portion of time has been spent on excavating for foundation, conducting soil bearing tests, and backfill foundation. Footings for the Roosevelt Square Community Center have been laid. With it, we now can see the initial foundation and outlines of the project. This visual outlay brings to life the designs discussed last month with JGMA. The work completed this month is the foundation towards creating a building that will shape so many lives, so many memories, and transform a community.
The Roosevelt Square Community Center
This center, an 11,000 square foot space, will serve the children and families at our Roosevelt Square Village and surrounding communities. Programs will include academic, therapeutic, social, and recreational support; multi-use spaces for community members to connect to public resources and engage in training, activities, and events; as well as a signature culinary kitchen providing food and nutrition education, and jobs-skills training for the hospitality industry. In addition to the over one hundred children and families cared for by SOS Illinois, more than 5,000 people from the surrounding neighborhoods will be served by the center.
Ongoing Updates
Throughout the course of the construction project, visit the SOS Illinois blog to see videos, pictures, and updates on the progress of the building. We look forward to sharing each milestone reached in the development of this important community resource.
Ways to Support the Community Center Project
Through the generous commitment of time, resources, and financial support of many, SOS Illinois is determined to raise the necessary investments to build the Community Center and provide a beacon for the Village residents and surrounding neighborhoods. For ways to invest or learn more about the Community Center, visit here.
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