Oak Park gymnastics center plans presented to public

Updated: November 12, 2012 6:07AM

OAK PARK — Redevelopment of the Park District of Oak Park’s Gymnastics Center is moving forward.

The park district held a pre-construction meeting on the proposed center Oct. 2 at Stevenson Center. It also plans a ground-breaking at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at 21 Lake St.

The approved budget for the new center is set at about $4.73 million, with Williams Architects chosen for the project. Representatives from Williams put together floor and site plans for the public to view at Tuesday’s pre-construction meeting.

The plans are also posted on the Park District of Oak Park website.

The building, which will be located at 25 Lake St., as proposed will have brick covering its face.

“We are trying to be contextual to Oak Park with regards to colors and materials,” Architect Frank Parisi said.

Parisi said designers are taking a green sustainability approach to the building.

Project Manager Neil Adams said the new building is needed because of overcrowding at the current location at 218 Madison. The center seasonally serves about 1,400 students, he said.

The new building will be 18,670 square feet, with 14,260 square feet on the first floor and 4,410 square feet on the second.

“We are hoping to add a balcony on the second floor for viewing of the studio on the first,” Parisi said.

While moving forward with plans, parking has been examined closely.

“We are figuring out the best scenario for traffic patterns,” Adams said.

During the work, Lake Street will have partial closings due to construction and large construction shipments.

Park district officials said part of North Boulevard running along the building will become a two-way street to help with traffic flow.

The construction is estimated to be completed in September 2013.

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