$85M Elmhurst Community Center Project Launched

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst Park District's board has been focused on debates over the site of the Wilder Park bandshell in recent months.

Lurking in the background is the planned building of the new Wagner Community Center at 615 N. West Ave. It's been relatively controversy-free.

The Wagner work is expected to cost $85 million, while the bandshell and other projects account for the rest of the $90 million referendum that voters passed a year ago.

On Saturday, officials broke ground on the project.

The event marked the start of demolition, with the new building set to open in fall 2027.

The new two-story, 127,000-square-foot building will be nearly four times larger than the existing structure, according to a park district news release.

Officials say that expansion will allow programming to expand and eliminate longstanding waitlists for youth and adult activities.

Handling the project are Chicago-based McHugh Construction and its joint venture partner, Nacional Group.

In 2000, McHugh was the construction manager for the $75 million renovation of York High School. It has also done various improvements to elementary and middle schools in town and built East End Pool.

Elmhurst Park District officials on Saturday broke ground for the new Wagner Community Center. From left are park board members Vince Spaeth, Meghan Scarsella, Carolyn Ubriaco, board President Kevin Graf, Claire Kubiesa, Susan Smentek and Jim Rogers, executive director. (Elmhurst Park District)