Community Recreation Center – Restoration Project
START DATE
2025
LOCATION
Community Recreation Center, Wilmette
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Restoration Project - Update
Updated - 2.9.26
Work continues to move forward at the Community Recreation Center with visible progress throughout the building. The main foyer and registration desk area have been fully demolished in preparation for a redesigned and more functional entrance, and this space is now awaiting reconstruction and installation. On the second floor and within the business office suite, new carpeting and baseboards have been installed, along with newly installed and waxed tile flooring throughout the second floor. In addition, rooms in these areas are actively being reconstructed and prepared to accommodate the full return of scheduled programming.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE – February 9, 2026
Carpeting and Tiling Schedule
From February 10 through February 13, carpeting work will occur in the East Hallway, which will be closed to the public while this work is underway.
During this same period, from February 9 through February 13, tile installation will take place in the Vending Area Lobby.
Carpeting in Room 115 has been completed, marking another milestone in the CRC restoration process. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we continue to make progress toward fully restoring the Community Recreation Center.
To learn the latest information on our project timeline, visit our BLOG.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE – January 28, 2026
CRC Main Foyer Reopening & Updated Building Access
The Community Recreation Center continues to make strong progress as restoration work moves forward. We are pleased to share several important access updates for patrons visiting the CRC over the next few days.
Beginning Wednesday, January 28, the CRC main foyer will partially reopen to the public, providing access to the elevator and stairway to the second floor. Additionally, the North Hallway leading to the Sports Gym and Theater is now open, allowing improved movement through the building.
The East Wing entrances remain open, and we are happy to announce that the front doors will reopen starting Thursday morning, January 29, restoring access through the primary entrance.
At this time, access to the Western Hallway from the main foyer remains temporarily closed as tiling work continues. This area is expected to fully reopen by Saturday, January 31.
Please refer to the navigation map to find the best entry door for your destination within the CRC.
What This Means for Your Visit
- The North Hallway to the Sports Gym and Theater is now open. Giving access to the stairs and elevator in the main foyer and access to the East Hallway.
- Stair and elevator access to the second floor is now available from the north corridor and eastern hallway.
- The front entrance doors will reopen on Thursday morning, January 29.
- The Front Desk remains temporarily located in the West Wing Lobby.
- Access to the Western Hallway from the main foyer (Front Desk/Gymnastics/ECC) remains closed but is expected to reopen by Saturday, January 31.
How to Navigate the Building
- Fitness Club:
Access points 1, 2 and 3 are available (stairs and elevator now open). Access points 7 will remain open until Saturday, January 31. - East Wing (Rooms 106–107):
Access points 1, 2 and 3 are available. - East Wing – 2nd Floor (Rooms 200–205):
Access points 1, 2 and 3 are available (stairs and elevator now open). - Sports Gym & Theater:
Access points 1, 2, 3 or the Main Foyer (Starting Thursday, January 29). - West Wing (Rooms 115–119):
Access points 4 and 8 only. - Gymnastics:
Access points 4 or 8 only. - Early Childhood Center:
Access points 4, 5, or 8 only.
We appreciate your continued patience and cooperation as we work to fully restore and enhance the CRC. Updates will continue to be shared as access improves and construction milestones are reached.
To learn the latest information on our project timeline, visit our BLOG.
Background
On Thursday, May 22 a sprinkler head was accidentally triggered during an afterschool program on the second floor of the Community Recreation Center (CRC).
The sprinkler system’s activation automatically set off the fire alarm and the building’s fire suppression system. First responders arrived quickly, and the building was safely evacuated. There was no fire or immediate danger, but the sprinkler caused significant water damage in the fifteen to twenty minutes while it was on.
The damage was concentrated to the east side of the building on both the second and first floors. ServPro and Wilmette Park District staff are actively managing clean-up and remediation efforts. Here’s a summary of the affected areas:
Second Floor: Several multi-purpose rooms experienced water exposure, damaging select furnishings and equipment. Flooring in various areas, including carpet and hard surfaces, is undergoing removal or drying. Specialized fitness rooms and ceramics art studios were also affected.
First Floor: Large activity rooms and office spaces sustained damage primarily to ceiling tiles, flooring, and lower wall sections. Common areas, including the lobby, experienced carpet and furniture damage.
A wide range of programs were impacted, primarily through room relocations. Most programs could continue in alternative spaces, but a few requiring specific studio equipment, like ceramics and spin classes, have been canceled.
Project Overview
This project aims to restore the Community Recreation Center to full operational capacity by undertaking comprehensive repair and replacement work. This will include removal and replacement of drywall, ceiling tiles, flooring, furniture, windows, doors, and specialized equipment for fitness and arts programs.
Restoration efforts will be coordinated with ongoing cleanup and remediation managed by ServPro and Wilmette Park District staff to ensure a seamless transition back to full service.
Planning Goal and Intended Outcomes
- Return all affected areas to full use by replacing damaged structural components, finishes, and equipment to meet or exceed pre-incident conditions.
- Facilitate a smooth resumption of programs by prioritizing repairs that impact specialized spaces such as ceramics studios and fitness rooms, and by coordinating alternative program locations as needed during renovation.
- Comply with all building codes, safety regulations, and accessibility standards during renovation and replacement activities to guarantee a safe environment for staff and visitors.
- Use high-quality materials and finishes to improve the durability and visual appeal of repaired spaces.
- Complete replacement of damaged drywall, ceiling tiles, flooring (carpet, hard surfaces, tile), and lower wall sections.
- Replacement of damaged furniture, windows, and doors to ensure comfort and security.
- Full replacement of specialized fitness and ceramics equipment to reinstate all program offerings.
- Reopening of all impacted rooms and common areas with no residual safety hazards or operational limitations.
Documents and Presentations
No Current Documents at this Time
Project Timeline
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