A First for Chicago’s Architecture and the Eco-Friendly Features at the Center
The Center is the first public building in the city permitted to be fully constructed from Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT). The eco-friendly features of the new Center complement the nonprofit’s Village Model of Care, a sustainable model of foster care that stabilizes families, strengthens communities, and builds lasting change for future generations. Learn more about this amazing building by viewing the virtual tour of the Roosevelt Square Community Center.

Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) & Glulam Beams and Columns.

Solar Panels a Renewable Energy Source.

Energy Efficient Appliances and Fixtures.

An Urban Garden Connecting Our Community and Environment.
SOS Illinois is Building Greener Futures
The sustainable architectural features of this new building place the Roosevelt Square Community Center at the forefront of design in Chicago:
Sustainable Feature
Green Impact
1
Sustainable Feature
Cross Laminated Timber
Green Impact
1st Public Building in Chicago to Utilize CLT
The Roosevelt Square Community Center will set a new standard for sustainable architecture and construction in the City of Chicago as the first public building fully constructed from CLT, a renewable resource and engineered wood.
2
Sustainable Feature
Glulam Columns and Beams
Green Impact
Pound for Pound, Stronger than Steel
Glued Laminated Timber, or glulam, is a highly innovative construction material made from structurally engineered wood, and it is stronger than steel with a greater strength and stiffness than comparably sized dimensional lumber. Glulam columns and beams are used in the base structure of the community center.
3
Sustainable Feature
Solar Panels
Green Impact
Will Generate 58% of Facilities’ Power Needs
The solar panels will absorb sunlight as a source of energy to generate direct current electricity. The energy output of the solar panels is estimated to generate what will be 58% of the facilities’ power needs.
Sustainable Feature
Energy Efficient Appliances & Fixtures
Green Impact
Reduce the Center’s Electric Bill by 20%
Energy efficiency over the entire life cycle of a building is the most important goal of sustainable architecture. Both ENERGY STAR certified appliances energy efficient lighting will save more green in years to come.
5
Sustainable Feature
Urban Community Garden
Green Impact
Strengthening Families in a Community Environment
Access to the community garden on the Center’s property will complement the center’s culinary and nutritional education programming by creating a space that nurtures connections to the community.
6
Sustainable Feature
Building Design and Placement
Green Impact
A Central Aspect of Sustainable Architecture is Building Placement
This placement allows the building to be more accessible for those traveling by foot, bicycle, or public transit, which in turn minimizes energy consumption and works with the surroundings rather than against them.
Did you Know?
SOS Children’s Villages Illinois children have the increased stability of living in the same home as their siblings unlike over 75% of youth in care within traditional models.
SOS Illinois children receive comprehensive wrap-around services that address their whole self—physical, mental, and emotional.
SOS Illinois children benefit from permanency and stability. They can always “come home,” even when they are in college or have graduated.
SOS Illinois Foster Parents receive professional training and support to be effective parental figures, receive a salary and full benefits, and have access to a supportive network of other SOS Illinois Foster Parents.