Editor’s note: The following story was submitted by John Kikta.
The Park Board heard a proposal for a $10.2 million addition to the Lincoln Center at its May 6 meeting. The 20,000-square-foot addition, which would accommodate an anticipated increase in programming, would be accomplished in three phases, according to the presentation by architects Elke Lonigro.
This project was first mentioned in the August 8, 2009, Park Board meeting minutes. The architects were hired last September to produce a Renovation Master Plan in consultation with the Park staff at a cost of $11,000.
The major portion of the addition is to the south end of the building, preserving the present multifloor structure, which the architects describes as having “good bones.” The presentation provided a floor-by-floor comparison of the existing space versus the new proposed floor plans.
The entrance to the building will be in the new southwest corner of the ground floor, which will also include a new gym. Above it, in what is now the third floor, will be a new 250-seat auditorium. Small additions will be made to the north end, and all floors will be modified to some extent.
The first phase of the project is estimated to cost $6.6 million. The second phase would include an addition at what is now the main entrance, plus extensive renovation to the interior at an estimated cost of $1.8 million. The third phase is concentrated at the north end of the existing building, includes a small addition plus extensive renovation, at an estimated cost of $1.8 million.
Growth in the district’s programs will bring more people into the building which, in turn, creates the need for more parking, while the building expansion actually uses some of the existing parking spaces. Adding more spaces means the elimination of the grass and play areas on the south end of the property, or the costly aquisition of additonal property.
A key consideration is that the proposed modifications will render virtually unrecognizable a building of considerable historic significance. A two-room school was erected on the present Lincoln Center site in 1867, with an additional two rooms in1877. The first high school class was graduated in 1879.
The north section of the building was added in 1900 in front of the two original rooms, which were razed in 1913 and a high school was added to the South end of the building. It was used until 1928 when the original part of what is now Downers North High School was built.
Lincoln continued as an elementary school, with the administration office for both Distric 58 and District 99 in the top floor, until it was closed in 1973 due to decreasing enrollment and costly repairs required to bring it up to school code. The building was purchased by the Park District in 1974 and the interior was remodeled.
This building is historically significant. i would like the public to be aware of this project, and alternatives should be considered. Would it make more sense to make Lincoln Center available to a developer for non-governmental use; It could make a fine center for law offices (the Law Offices of Lincoln Center)for instance. That would allow the Park District to obtain a new flexible facility in which to consolidate its needs. The village is considering new facilities for the village offices and the police department; could that include space needed for Park programs, and allow the sharing of auditoriums, meeting rooms, etc.
As an historic property, tax incentives would be available to a private developer that could make the finances of creative re-use favorable.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the money for the proposal mega-addition to Lincoln Center would instead be integrated into a truly comprehensive plan for an integrated civic center in Downers Grove, a new campus of buildings on a new open site, with excellent shared facilities as well as parking!
John.. You took the words right out of my mouth…. I feel like the only person left on the planet that gives a hoot about preserving the history of this town!! Everywhere you look, beautiful old homes are being town down without one iota of care about what’s happening to Downers Grove… You’d think that of all people, the Park District would be paying attention to the significance of Lincoln School/Center….
I agree the facilities (restrooms) may need an upgrade, but how can 11K not buy the PD and TP at least some clever means of keeping a sliver of the historical elements of the building intact? A section of the building designated as a mini-museum to the history of the building. Or perhaps find a way to showcase the significance? I love that facility and it’s location – my family has events going on there several days a week and I would hate to see it move all it’s great programs out of the city center. I would also hate to see it turn into the YMCA (there’s a place that needs multiple improvements).
During times like these, couldn’t we find a way to use existing facilities within our community to offer the services/programs the Park District has its eyes on? D58 and D99 have wonderful facilities that could be used for anything the PD has planned.
A little cooperation between local taxing bodies would sure be appreciated!
I received this comment from the Park District:
“Just to be clear, there are no $$ planned for Lincoln Center renovations in the recently approved 2010-11 Park District budget. Over the past few years there have been staff requests to make modifications to the building which the Park Board has not approved. Rather, the Board requested a master plan be developed. The intent was to be able to ensure that any changes be done within the master plan…”
$11,000 for an architects detail plan plus staff time for something that will not be done? There ought to be an easier and less costly way to do it.