Renovations Require Relocation Of Highland Park Senior Center Services

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — The Highland Park Senior Center temporarily relocated this week from the Highland Park Country Club at 1201 Park Ave. West to the Christ Our Hope Parish School at 770 W. Deerfield Road in preparation for upcoming renovations.

Classes and other senior center activities are scheduled to be held at the temporary location, formerly known as Immaculate Conception, through June 28, 2024.

The senior center's medical equipment loan closet will continue to operate from the Park Avenue West location, and day excursions will still depart from it.

The Highland Park Senior Center was established in 1976 and caters to the city’s population over the age of 50. It offers more than 900 activities annually to about 940 members, providing a resource for health, recreational, cultural, educational and counseling services.

The temporary location will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays. Membership fees for residents are $30 for individuals and $50 for couples, with slightly higher fees for non-residents.

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The center's current facility is a 46,000-square-foot building that opened as a private country club in 1969 and was purchased by the city in 1996.

Since 2021, it has been the home of the senior center after it was relocated from 54 Laurel Ave., which the city sold last year, generating $2.45 million in revenue.

The upcoming renovation plan aims to address the evolving needs of Highland Park’s older population and the increasing membership at the senior center, which added about 200 members last year. Its programs generated about $150,000 in revenue last year.

Last June, after issuing a request for proposals from consultants, the City Council selected Chicago-based Holabird & Root to lead architectural, engineering and interior design for the renovation. The firm has extensive experience with municipal facilities, private clubs, and recreation spaces.

Planned improvements include mechanical, engineering, plumbing updates, as well as a refreshed interior for the space, which will offer both senior services and private events. The renovation will feature a new, single-level entrance for easier access and designated parking for guests of the senior center.

According to city staff, they are accepting proposals from construction companies and hope to begin renovations soon after entering into a contract, and architectural plans will be available in the coming weeks.

This year, the city's budget includes $5.7 million in spending for the senior center, on top of the $450,000 it spent last year for architectural, engineering and interior design consulting.

The renovation is expected to be completed in phases, with the upper level banquet and activity spaces anticipated to be finished by summer 2024, and the lower level by late summer or early fall 2024.

Once renovations are complete, city officials are expected to rename the former country club, which also includes a former golf course the city sold to the park district, which is now known as The Preserve.

The HP Connector Bus will operate on a temporary schedule continue to provide free transportation to the senior center's temporary home and it will continue to stop at 1201 Park Ave. West.