UPTOWN — The Clarendon Park field house will begin a much needed makeover this year.
The community center at 4501 N. Clarendon Ave. will "undergo an extensive renovation" courtesy of $4.6 million from the Clarendon Montrose TIF District, 46th Ward Ald. James Cappleman announced in his weekly newsletter.
"These long-overdue repairs will bring the community center back in compliance with city building codes," he said.
The TIF funds were approved by the 46th Ward Zoning and Development Committee, and the Chicago Park District will pay another $1.5 million toward the renovation project, Cappleman said.
The combined $6.1 million will not cover the complete cost of the renovations. The total estimated cost is $10 million, according to an updated assessment of the property taken in June 2016 prepared by AltusWorks.
The park's advisory council is seeking donations to fund the remainder of the $10 million project, said Katharine Boyda, president of the Clarendon Park Advisory Council.
Built in 1916, the community center and field house was designed to bring people back to the beaches by providing access to the lake. It was a "modern facility for one of Chicago's most popular lakefront beaches," according to Preservation Chicago.
Its signature towers were truncated in 1972, which led to water infiltration and roof issues. The building was designed by architect C.W. Kallal in a Mediterranean revival style, sometimes referred to as "Italian resort style," according to the preservation group.
From 6-8 p.m. on Sept. 20, the alderman will host a community meeting at the community center to discuss the plans and allow residents to provide feedback, the newsletter stated.
The work is expected to begin later this year and be completed by next summer, he said.
