Washington Park's $38 Million Sunshine Community Center Nears Construction Milestone

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Washington Park · November 19, 2025

Washington Park residents have reason to celebrate as the highly anticipated Sunshine Community Center project approaches a significant construction milestone this November. With the City Council having approved land sales earlier this year and construction expected to begin soon, the $38 million facility at 6000 S. King Drive represents a transformative investment in the neighborhood's future.

Designed by Civic Projects Architecture, the 77,050-square-foot center will feature a wealth of community amenities including a gymnasium with basketball courts, a roller skating rink, youth programming spaces, a café with performance stage, tech rooms, recording studio, and outdoor athletic facilities. The three-story structure will also provide office space for local entrepreneurs, creating approximately 130 permanent jobs once completed. 'This community center will afford us the opportunity to really have the space to do more,' explained Kimberly Salley, Executive Director of Sunshine Gospel Ministries, highlighting plans to serve approximately 2,000 regular participants with free programming.

Local residents can learn more about construction timelines and upcoming community engagement opportunities at the next Washington Park Residents Advisory Council meeting. When completed in 2026, the center will join other recent neighborhood developments, creating a vibrant hub for recreation, education, and economic opportunity in the heart of Washington Park.

Sources:
1. https://chicagoyimby.com/2025/02/additional-funding-granted-for-sunshine-community-center-in-washington-park.html
2. https://www.hpherald.com/evening_digest/plan-commission-gives-green-light-to-new-washington-park-community-center/article_93813942-5e5c-11ef-b80b-8b09ca31898a.html
3. https://www.chicagoconstructionnews.com/land-sale-will-support-new-washington-park-community-center/