Highland Park Facility Renovation
A year after acquiring Lakeside Congregation in Highland Park, NSSRA is on its way to having a place to call home, allowing participants’ to have their own space to play and grow. The Highland Park facility will be renovated to meet our participant and programming needs.
Timeline
- 2013: NSSRA Board of Directors identified the need for a new facility.
- 2013 – 2019: NSSRA searches for the right facility and location.
- August 2019: Lakeside Congregation is acquired.
- September 2019: NSSRA Foundation announces its $2.2M capital campaign to fund the renovation of participant spaces in NSSRA’s newly purchased facility in Highland Park.
- November 2020: NSSRA Board approves renovation project.
- December 2020: Renovation project begins.
- September 2021: Renovation project is scheduled to be completed.
Renovations
The renovation project will include a variety of updated participant spaces, including a courtyard, participant lounge, four multipurpose rooms, fully accessible washrooms, a library, a teaching kitchen, a great room, updated offices, and onsite storage.
Great Room & Recreation Rooms #1, #2 #3 And #4
- Flexible space for all programming, from dances for large groups of up to 250 people to skill development programs for ten people or less.
- Divisible into multiple configurations to accommodate a variety of groups and activities simultaneously.
- Space dedicated for fitness, wellness, and art programming for participants of all ages.
- Ideal home for adult day programs.
Participant Lounge
- An inviting entry area for participants, families, and community members.
- A comfortable and vibrant lounge for participants to spend time together before and after programs while waiting for transportation.
- The place to be for all NSSRA participants.
Kitchen
- Commercial teaching kitchen to support programming throughout the facility.
- Ideal for various cooking programs and independent skill development opportunities for all ages.
Front Courtyard
- Appealing outdoor space for socializing, programming, gardening, and small events when weather permits.
Library
- Dedicated space for participants’ small group programming.
Elevator
- Vital amenity for all participants to easily access both floors.
Meeting Room
- Designated private meeting room for participants or their families to meet with NSSRA staff.
Entry “Walk N’ Roll” Way
- Fully accessible walkway connecting the parking lot to the building’s main entrance and front courtyard.
Accessible Washrooms
- Completely accessible and custom-designed to NSSRA participant needs.
- Design focus on independence, privacy, dignity, and accessibility.
Gator Storage & Laundry Room
- Ample onsite storage space and laundry capacity for all Gator gear, including equipment, uniforms, and supplies.
Drop-Off/Pick-Up Hub
- Specifically designed section of the parking lot focused on safety at all times of the day or night. Ensures participants are out of all traffic patterns coming to and leaving NSSRA programs.
Cost
Altogether, this project, including facility purchase, is expected to cost approximately $8.85M. Here’s how we are paying for it.
- Partner Agencies: NSSRA’s 13 partner agencies fund $4.9 Million.
- Generous Family Contribution: $1.15 Million Gift from the Slotnick Family of Northbrook, in memory of Mitchell L. Slotnick.
- NSSRA Foundation: $2.2 Million from it’s A Place to Belong Capital Campaign and $600,000 from Foundation reserves.
Progress Updates
Periodic progress update videos will be shared via email and NSSRA’s social media platforms. See below for recent progress updates!
September 15, 2021
Beep. Beep. We’re Moving!
On Monday and Tuesday, September 20-21, our team will be moving to our new home in Highland Park, located at 1221 County Line Rd.! During this time, our phone system and online registration will not be available. Our staff will be unpacking and organizing our new space and will have limited access to email. In an emergency, you may contact the team using the on-call cell phone at 847-452-3369.
Thank you so much for understanding, and we look forward to seeing you at our Grand Opening on Saturday, October 23. If you’re interested in coming, for safety purposes, you must RSVP to registration@nssra.org. We’d love to see you!
August 26, 2021
July 13, 2021
June 25, 2021
June 2, 2021
May 24, 2021:
Work is continuing at a robust pace at the Highland Park Facility. Last month, we saw the interior beginning to take its final form, and let us say, IT LOOKS GREAT!
Contractors recently started installing the suspended ceiling grid in various rooms throughout the building. Additionally, framing, taping, and prime painting continued in recreation rooms and the participant lounge. Lastly, trucks poured concrete to form the vestibule floor slab, making the fully accessible front entrance look amazing!
April 28, 2021:
- First floor drywall and taping has begun
- Mechanical, electrical, plumbing continue
- Excavation and Foundations for Vestibule
- Boiler work
March 22, 2021
Our construction crews have been hard at work!
We are currently three months into construction, and we have been amazed by the progress thus far. Though there is still much more work to be done, we couldn’t resist giving you a sneak peek into our future home.
Come join NSSRA Executive Director Craig Culp for a virtual walkthrough of the new facility.
February 26, 2021
Construction crews recently worked on framing and drywalling the second-floor offices, and completed the ductwork for the second floor. The crews were also busy on the first floor, placing large floor steel truss reinforcements, and pouring concrete for the accessible bathrooms. The kitchen is also starting to take its final shape.
February 12, 2021
Electrical and plumbing work has been ongoing throughout the building. Photos of the progress below.
February 5, 2021
A new temporary sign was installed along Lake Cook road. Framing of walls on the second floor also went up.
January 21, 2021
Installation of Ductwork has begun in the Great Room. Demolition in other areas of the building has continued.
January 29, 2021
The framing of walls in Recreation Rooms #2/3 begun, along with completed ductwork in the Great Room. Additional plumbing work has been ongoing throughout the building.
December 15, 2020
Construction officially kicked off as contractors met with W.B. Olson, NSSRA’s Executive Director Craig Culp, and the renovation project team.