Kroc project brings hope to Chicago's West Pullman neighborhood
"I want to learn ballet," exclaimed eight-year-old Zharia. "I want to play soccer," chimed in Amira, 7. Cedric, 9, wants to swim and play basketball, while Raynell wants job training, and Adrianne wants a safe place for her children to "receive direction."
The 220,000-square-foot center will be a state-of-the-art ministry, community and social service facility located on 33 acres in one of Chicago's most underserved areas. The programs and building, under the leadership of Kroc Center Administrators Majors David and Darlene Harvey, have been designed to enrich the mind, body and spirit. It also is the largest single investment by a social service organization in the history of Chicago.
"There's never been anything like it in Chicago," said Lt. Colonel David Grindle, who oversees The Salvation Army's work in the greater Chicagoland area. "It will redefine people's notions of what a community center can be. This array of sports, educational, arts and supportive programs has never been offered under one roof. (It will) provide hope, transform lives."
World-renowned architect Helmut Jahn designed the largely transparent building that will be environmentally friendly with energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, topped by a green roof with solar collectors and skylights.
Recreational features will include a 5,000-seat indoor sports complex, a 2,000-seat outdoor sports stadium, basketball and tennis courts, aquatic center and water park, a state-of-the-art fitness center, climbing wall, golf training center with driving range and putting greens, baseball diamonds, batting cages and outdoor running track.
The Family Life and Education Center will offer an array of classes and workshops for people of all ages, including job training, GED preparation, computer literacy, financial planning, parenting, nutrition, culinary arts and after-school programs.
The Academy of the Arts will include a performing arts center; outdoor amphitheater, media center with recording and video production studios, plus studios for instrument, vocal and art instruction.
Although featuring many different components, the center will operate as a center for worship with synergistic ministries encouraging cross-participation.
"When it opens, this facility will serve people of all ages-from children to seniors," said Grindle. "And, everyone who supports it will have an unprecedented opportunity to transform lives and make a visible impact on a community, to make a real difference for generations to come."