Hyde Park Neighborhood Club Reopens with Modern Makeover After Year-Long Renovation

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Hyde Park · January 22, 2026

The Hyde Park Neighborhood Club (HPNC) is welcoming community members once again after completing the first phase of a significant renovation project. The 116-year-old community center, which closed its doors in summer 2024, has reopened with modernized facilities designed to expand programming opportunities for Hyde Park residents.

Angela Habr, the center's executive director who was hired in 2019 to make the renovation a reality, kickstarted the project by securing a $250,000 grant from the state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity with assistance from local legislators. The capital campaign for Phase I is nearing completion, with funds coming from state, city, and private sources to revitalize the beloved community institution. Future phases will include eco-friendly improvements like rainwater capture systems, geothermal heat pumps, and solar panels, plus an expanded gym with bleacher seating for 200-300 people and a 1,100-square-foot teen loft featuring a recording studio and movie screen. "Now, it's just a matter of finishing it off," Habr said during the January 16th ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Residents interested in exploring the renovated facility can visit the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club at 5480 S. Kenwood Ave. to learn about upcoming programs and community events. The reopening marks an important milestone for the neighborhood, providing enhanced spaces for youth activities, education, and community gatherings that will serve Hyde Park families for generations to come.

Sources:
1. https://www.hpherald.com/evening_digest/hyde-park-neighborhood-club-reopens-after-major-renovation/article_5571307a-a0dc-4e41-bc37-847193c660cb.html