Annex Update!

“The big, blue house,” as Beacon Place is often affectionately referred, now has a rival for attention on this bright corner in Waukegan with the construction of what the kids are calling “the big, green garage”! December thaws allowed just enough time and temperatures for the foundation to be poured and set for the new Beacon Place Learning and Enrichment Center. Dedicated contractors and tradespeople worked through the cold of January placing steel structures and framing the first and second floor. Weatherproof sides (green in color, hence the nickname) and the roof quickly followed just in time for work to pause for snow. With cooperation from mother nature, floors will be poured in February, along with door frames, windows and siding. All indications suggest that the new facility will be open and ready for summer programs to begin June 11.

The children and families in our programs are not the only ones monitoring the progress of this great new facility. As the first new construction in this local area for as long as anyone can remember, seeing cranes, bulldozers and forklifts has created lots of excitement in the neighborhood. Beacon Place board member Mary Ellen Patton is using her long career in construction project management to oversee the activity. “Every day when I am on site, someone stops as they walk or drive by to ask about this project! As soon as I tell them we are adding space for our growing programs they are all smiles! So many people are excited to see so much good happening in their neighborhood and they seem to be truly touched that so many people care.” Mary Ellen has also reached out to many trade contacts in Lake County to engage their support in this project. At the top of this list are LEGAT Architects who did all of the drawing, planning and permit work as a donation because they believe so strongly in what Beacon Place is doing. Right next to them in support is Dave Henderson of John J Henderson & Sons who is serving as general contractor, also donating all of his time and resources. To date DK Contractors, Federal Rent a Fence, Lake County Grading, McKinney Steel, Waukegan Roofing, Wel-bilt and 84 Lumber have all made donations to this project. Many others have signed on to help once we get under roof like National Gypsum, Carey Electric, E. Peterson Plumbing, AirCon, Scurto Cement and Ozinga Concrete.

There is still lots of work to be done and additional partners are needed to turn ‘big green’ into a finished, furnished facility.

Please email us directly at admin@beacon-place.org, or phone 847-497-5787 if you can provide financial or in-kind support in any of the following areas still needed:

  • Furnish/install building insulation
  • Furnish drywall screws, joint tape and adhesive
  • Furnish/install cabinetry and countertops
  • Furnish/install FRP panels in the lunch preparation area
  • Provide commercial freezer
  • Provide 2 smart boards, 20 chromebooks, learning tables and chairs
  • Provide soundproof portable room divider
  • Furnish/ install asphalt paving
  • Furnish/install landscaping

Stay tuned to Facebook for more photos and updates on our progress!