Project Description

Located in Rogers Park on Chicago's far northeast side, Howard Area Community Center (HACC) was established in 1967 as part of St. Jerome's Church. HACC has evolved into an integrated network of services for infants through adults, providing services to over 4,000 individuals each year. This new center adds capacity for 48 new children, and also allows HACC to move existing child care programs to the new facility, creating a location dedicated to child care.

 

 

     
Total Project   Development Team

Cost
$3.8 million

Date Completed
January 2004

 

Owner
Howard Area Community Center

Developer/Project Manager
Jones Lang LaSalle

Architect
Holabird & Root
Laya Associates

General Contractor
Staalsen Construction

Lender
IFF

     
   
   
   

Responses are by Roberta Buchanan, (Retired) Executive Director, of Howard Area Community Center.

 
Q   What do you like best about the finished space?

A

 

 

Our project involved rehabbing an old building that had previously been used for offices and warehouse space. We now have a spectacular new center that meets the highest standards of child care, and at the same time preserves a sturdy old building in our neighborhood.

 
 
Q   What was the most helpful aspect of your work with the IFF?

A

 

 

 IFF assembled an excellent project team. Plus they have developed expertise in the area of child care facilities, and we profited from that experience throughout the project.

 
 
Q   What was the best solution to a problem that came out of this project?

A

 
We changed a dilapidated sky light into an atrium that provided wonderful natural light for the interior of our second floor.  
 
Q   What changes in service have you been able to make as a result of this project?

A

 

 

 

We have been able to integrate all of our services for children, birth to five, into one bright, modern facility.