New Building, New Name: Leisure Center Closing For Renovation In Northbrook

NORTHBROOK, IL — The Northbrook Park District's Leisure Center will be closing Friday as part of a $12.1 million renovation project. When it reopens in the spring of next year, the building constructed in the 1960s will have a new look as well as a new name.

The 40,000-square-foot building at 3323 Walters Avenue will be known as the Northbrook Community Center. Park district officials said the renovation is intended to modernize and enhance the space for patrons and staff.

"The redesign, conceptualized by Wight and Company (Chicago-based), will transform the building into a warm and inviting community center that will inspire patrons to gather, socialize and engage in activities," said Chris Leiner, executive director of the Northbrook Park District.

The project includes a $2.8 million grant from the Park and Recreational Facility Construction Act program administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

A central hub for recreation programs for children and adults, hosting Sunshine Preschool, the Senior Center and the Northbrook Theatre. Officials said the improvements will allow the park district to boost programming options for patrons of all ages, and provide more functional space for its dedicated staff.

The construction project, expected to start Aug. 18, will be led by Bulley and Andrews, based in Chicago.

Following a community survey, the new name was approved by the park district's board of commissioners. Most survey respondents said the building should be renamed, with 555 votes (66.12 percent) in favor of Northbrook Community Center and 353 votes (38.88 percent) for Northbrook Recreation and Arts Center.

The Northbrook Community Center's multigenerational programming space will feature functional and aesthetic upgrades to both the interior and exterior of the building, according to the Northbrook Park District.

The interior of the building will have a bright and more open layout aimed at fostering social interaction and connection. The exterior of the building will be enhanced with improved wayfinding signage, new exterior windows, façade improvements, and dedicated entrances for Sunshine Preschool and Northbrook Theatre. Northbrook Theatre will undergo upgrades to the smaller theatre space, the lower-level green room, dressing rooms and costume area.

The building’s interior will feature:

• An enhanced lobby, new reception area and expanded hallway spaces
• An “innovation lounge” near the main entrance, with comfortable seating conducive to relaxation and socialization
• A “knowledge center” with fireplace and amenities for reading and TV watching
• Four multipurpose rooms of various sizes, including one with a fireplace
• Early childhood classrooms with ambient lighting and new viewing windows
• An activity studio suitable for preschool gym, senior wellness classes and rehearsals
• A dance/fitness studio
• A ceramics/art studio
• An art/maker space
• A sensory/de-escalation lounge
• A modern demonstration kitchen with pantry space for cooking classes for children and families
• An 1,800-square-foot flexible performance space
• Technology throughout the building to augment presentations and special events
• Renovated bathrooms

Officials said the design of the future Northbrook Community Center "incorporates biophilic principles, or a desire to create a space that connects humans and the environment — with benefits for both." Biophilic elements include skylights, biomorphic forms such as curves, and unobstructed exit views. The color palette will include blue, green and earth tones.

The park district said it has carefully planned the relocation of programs to minimize disruption for patrons. Staff will move to other park district facilities, so users will continue interacting with familiar faces.

• Sunshine Preschool will be held at the Northbrook Sports Center, 1730 Pfingsten Road. The preschool’s furniture and materials will be moved to the temporary location.
• Senior Center programs will relocate to Techny Prairie Activity Center (TPAC), 180 Anets Drive, and Village Green Center, 1810 Walters Ave., both in Northbrook. All senior fitness classes will take place at TPAC.
• General recreation programs for young children and art classes for all ages will be moved to TPAC, Village Green Center and the Sports Center.
• Northbrook Theatre Youth Company will perform at Field Middle School in October, and Northbrook Community Theatre performs at the Northbrook Public Library in December.

For additional performance information, visit nbparks.org/theatre.