The Hyde Park Neighborhood Club has completed the first phase of its renovation project, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s effort to modernize its longtime home at 5480 S. Kenwood Ave. The initial stage, part of a planned three-phase, $7.5 million overhaul, cost $3 million and introduced new communal spaces such as a club lounge, culinary classroom, gender-neutral bathrooms, and a baby comforting room.
Executive Director Angela Habr said the upgrades will foster community connections. “We have a real space where families, kids, parents and grandparents can informally bump into each other, convene — it’s just a nice gathering space,” Habr said. “It’s going to open up a whole host of opportunities.”
The renovations also addressed previous design issues stemming from expansions in the 1980s that created uneven floor heights and what Habr described as “a bit of a tripping hazard.” The recent work leveled out the interior and unified various additions with the original building’s architecture.
“The interior was sort of maze-like, awkward and settled into different aesthetics,” Habr said. “We actually gut-rehabbed the connection point of all those additions. That unified the space.”
Alina Tompert, project manager and architect for Farr Associates, emphasized that increasing natural light was central to this phase: “Bringing more natural light into the space and reducing the need for electric power draw during the day.” She added that the updates honor Keck & Keck’s original architectural vision while bringing it up to current standards.
Future phases include repairing or replacing key infrastructure like the roof—an estimated $1.5 million project—as well as updating electrical, mechanical, climate control, and ventilation systems. A final phase is expected to expand gymnasium seating and add outdoor features such as a greenhouse and gardening areas.
“We desperately need a new roof to protect the work we just did,” Habr said. “I want to get that roof done this year. We’re writing a grant that’s due [shortly], and we’re hopeful that if that comes through we move forward on the roof and electrical.”
Habr noted that input from teens has shaped some upcoming plans: improvements like an overlook for sporting events in the gymnasium and media creation spaces were suggested by young participants.
“We have a cohort of middle schoolers who are ready to keep growing up with us,” she said. “We want to have a place for them to continue to grow up and develop their own sense of leadership, of contribution and giving back to this place that they grew up in.”
According to Habr, nearly 1,800 young people participated in club programs last year—a number expected to grow as facilities improve.
The club will formally dedicate its renovated building on March 28 at 2 p.m., while fundraising efforts continue for future phases. Those interested in contributing can contact Development Director Shannon Nicholson at snicholson@hpnclub.org.
