On the Boards: Hyde Park Neighborhood Club

Future-Proofing a Community Anchor

Founded in 1909, the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club is a youth-serving community center, trusted neighbor, creative caretaker, and a responsive resource for a vibrant, diverse community.

Farr Associates provided a master plan for the building’s revitalization construction project to get back on track and to ensure the facility will meet not only the moment, but its future programming, operations, and sustainability goals.

Client: Hyde Park Neighborhood Club (HPNC)

Location: Chicago, IL

Role: Architect of Record, Master Planning

Project Area: 3,000 sf

Expected Completion: 2026

  • Empty reception desk in a modern office with a yellow accent wall and hanging yellow light fixtures.

    A Warm Welcome

    Flanked by two historic marble plaques, the bright lobby welcomes guests into the new Community Living Room. This space provides front desk staff the clear sight lines they need to supervise the whole building. Comfortable seating and risers enable flexibility to use the space for shows, open mic nights, and other performances. 

  • Construction site showing metal framing and copper pipes installed in the ceiling area.

    Smarter Systems

    The mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were a disjointed collection long overdue for upgrade. Units failed regularly, causing loss of heat, condensation in the hallways, and other hazards. A comprehensive set of new systems were installed, enabling HPNC to optimize energy-efficiency, sustainability, and building security. 

  • Newly renovated kitchen with wooden cabinets, black tile backsplash, stainless steel sink, and large windows. Three pendant lights are covered in plastic, indicating ongoing installation or cleaning.

    Spacious Teaching Kitchen

    The new teaching kitchen provides hands-on learning experiences for cooking instruction. This resource features energy efficient appliances and equipment such as induction stoves.

  • Accessible public restroom with a toilet, grab bars, a paper towel dispenser, a trash bin, a yellow wall, and colorful tiles on the wall.

    Improved, Inclusive Restrooms

    Remodeled and upgraded restrooms feature fully enclosed stalls, wheelchair access, and gender inclusivity. Open visibility to communal areas around the sinks enable program supervisors to ensure restrooms are safe spaces. 

“HPNC has been central to volunteerism in our community for years. The good they do boosts our community’s confidence, brings us together and increases the overall well-being of the individual lives they touch.”

— Robert Peters, Illinois State Senator