Work begins on Maplewood Park’s new fieldhouse

Maplewood Park’s new fieldhouse reached a key milestone on Thursday as city officials joined with local residents to break ground on the North Side project. Attendees included Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Park District’s Michael Kelly, and 1st Ward Alderman Proco Joe Moreno.

Designed by Ratio Architects, the new 3,200-square-foot building replaces a 600-square-foot, shack-like fieldhouse dating back to 1950. The angular, dark brick and glass structure will bring new amenities like multipurpose club rooms, restrooms, offices, and greater storage space to the one-acre park at 1640 N. Maplewood Avenue.

The $2 million undertaking was financed by a mix of private donations, $800,000 from the 1st Ward’s discretionary “menu” budget, and an additional $1.1 million from the Chicago Park District, reported Block Club Chicago. Construction is expected to wrap up in May of 2019.

• Maplewood Park’s New $2 Million Field House Will Be 5 Times The Size Of The Current One [Block Club Chicago]
• $1.5 million building expansion: Maplewood Playlot Park inspiration for other communities [Our Urban Times]