Historic Wicker Park Lutheran Church Breaks Ground on .4 Million Accessibility RenovationBy Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Wicker Park ·
Wicker Park's oldest religious organization is now more accessible to all community members, as Wicker Park Lutheran Church officially broke ground on their long-awaited renovation project this past Sunday. The
.4 million 'A Place For All' campaign will transform the 119-year-old landmark building at 1500 N. Hoyne Ave with an ADA-compliant entrance, elevator, and gender-neutral bathrooms.Reverend Jason Glombicki led a special groundbreaking ceremony, saying, 'We will both make the building ADA accessible with a new entryway and restrooms, and we will also restore the beauty of this 1906 landmark building.' The renovation addresses critical community needs, as the church currently hosts over 4,000 hours of community programming annually but has had to turn away groups due to space limitations and accessibility challenges. The project also includes restoration of the church's historic Rose Window through a $250,000 city Adopt-A-Landmark grant.
Neighbors are invited to support the final fundraising push, as construction begins following successful efforts that have already raised nearly the entire
.4 million goal. When completed in 2026, the renovated space will offer four community rooms instead of just one, creating new opportunities for meetings, classes, and events in a neighborhood where affordable community spaces have become increasingly scarce.Sources:
1. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/groundbreaking-ceremony-wicker-park-lutheran-church-renovations/
2. https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/09/11/wicker-park-lutheran-church-seeking-donations-to-expand-community-space-make-building-accessible/
3. https://chicago.suntimes.com/religion/2024/09/29/wicker-park-lutheran-church-renovations-accessible-donations-community
4. https://www.wickerparklutheran.org/kickoff/
By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Wicker Park ·
Wicker Park's oldest religious organization is now more accessible to all community members, as Wicker Park Lutheran Church officially broke ground on their long-awaited renovation project this past Sunday. The
Reverend Jason Glombicki led a special groundbreaking ceremony, saying, 'We will both make the building ADA accessible with a new entryway and restrooms, and we will also restore the beauty of this 1906 landmark building.' The renovation addresses critical community needs, as the church currently hosts over 4,000 hours of community programming annually but has had to turn away groups due to space limitations and accessibility challenges. The project also includes restoration of the church's historic Rose Window through a $250,000 city Adopt-A-Landmark grant.
Neighbors are invited to support the final fundraising push, as construction begins following successful efforts that have already raised nearly the entire
Sources:
1. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/groundbreaking-ceremony-wicker-park-lutheran-church-renovations/
2. https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/09/11/wicker-park-lutheran-church-seeking-donations-to-expand-community-space-make-building-accessible/
3. https://chicago.suntimes.com/religion/2024/09/29/wicker-park-lutheran-church-renovations-accessible-donations-community
4. https://www.wickerparklutheran.org/kickoff/