Community Recreation Center – Restoration Project
START DATE
2025
LOCATION
Community Recreation Center, Wilmette
Restoration Project - Update
Updated - 4.2.26
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 – April 3, 2026
Phase 4 – North Entrance Hallway (View The Map Here)
The CRC Restoration Project has now progressed to its final phase, which includes the closure of the north entrance hallway.
During this phase, the main sports gym entrance from the interior hallway will be closed.
- Sports gym patrons will need to use the exterior gym entrance located in the north corridor
- Fitness members may enter through the east garden entrance or the gymnastics entrance from the north parking lot
To learn the latest information on our project timeline, visit our BLOG.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE – March 26, 2026
CRC Restoration Project: Final Phase Update
The District is beginning the final phases of the CRC Restoration Project, with carpeting and baseboard work starting Monday, March 30.
Phase 1: Western Hallway Closure (Click Here for Map)
Phase 1 will begin on March 30 and will include the closure of the western hallway, spanning from the vending machine lobby to the ECC double doors.
- No public access will be permitted through this hallway during this phase.
- Patrons attending Gymnastics programs will be required to use the designated entrance located in the North Corridor. (Entrance 8 on the map)
- Access between the Gymnastics area and other sections of the CRC will be routed through the main courtyard. (Entrance 9 on the map)
The remaining work will be completed in three additional phases (Gymnastics Lobby, North Hallway, North Entryway). Each phase will begin immediately following the completion of the previous phase. Updates will be shared with the community as dates and timing become clearer.
Each phase will require temporary closures and adjusted access routes within portions of the facility. Staff will be on-site to help direct patrons and ensure continued access to programs whenever possible.
We appreciate the community’s patience as we complete these final improvements to the CRC.
To learn the latest information on our project timeline, visit our BLOG.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE – February 13, 2026
Carpeting and Tiling
We’re pleased to share that several flooring improvements at the Community Recreation Center have now been completed.
Tile installation in the Vending Area Lobby is finished, along with new carpeting in the East Hallway. In addition, carpeting in Room 115 has been completed, as well as the carpeted area stretching from the main foyer to Room 115.
These updates continue to bring a fresh, cohesive look and improved comfort throughout the facility. We are excited to continue to share them as the project continues to develop.
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.
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Project Timeline
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