Gorton Community Center

Lake Forest, Illinois

project profile

Size: 40,000 Square Feet
Project Cost: undisclosed
Completion Date: 2014

Project Scope:
condition assessment : historic renovation : sustainable m.e.p. design

Housed in a former school that dates to 1901 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Gorton Community Center has been an important part of the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff community since 1972. One of only a few privately-funded community centers in the United States Gorton serves as a unique partnership between community volunteers and the City of Lake Forest.

Within its myriad of rooms are classrooms, art studios, banquet facilities, office space, a youth activity center, and a 344-seat theater. A 1999 renovation included much needed infrastructure upgrades, the installation of an elevator and other upgrades for accessibility, as well as the addition of a pre-school and children’s drop-in center.

A substantial number of community endowments have recently spurred another round of renovations. Included is a freshening of the office space and complete remodel of several large meeting rooms to include new HVAC systems and the installation of LED lighting. The major focus of this project is the complete renovation of the newly named John and Nancy Hughes Theater, which will include state of the art digital projection, new house and stage lighting with DDC control, new audio systems, smoke control system and variable volume HVAC system with energy recovery system. The overall project also includes hot water radiant heating for the existing vestibule and a new fire alarm system.

IBC Engineering Services, Inc.
Wisconsin : Illinois : Florida
Phone 262.549.1190, Fax 262.549.1620
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