The Salvation Army will break ground Thursday for a new multi-purpose community center in an underserved South Side community.
The Salvation Army will break ground Thursday for a new multi-purpose community center in an underserved South Side community. The $160 million Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center is being built at 1250 W. 119th St. in the West Pullman community and will offer a combination of free and fee-based services upon its completion in spring 2012, said Lt. Col. Ralph Bukiewicz, divisional commander for The Salvation Army. “Most of the services offered by the center will be free but there will be some services that are fee-based but with a sliding pay scale,” Bukiewicz explained to the Defender. “We recognize that the West Pullman community is an underserved community so fees would be at a minimum.” The center will offer daily, monthly and annual payments and memberships for programs, he explained. Upon completion the center would create 200 permanent jobs. About 300 construction jobs have already been established. Free job readiness workshops will be offered at the center. “It is our goal to fill as many of these positions with community residents as possible,” said Bukiewicz. “However, some jobs will require specific experience and college education.” The 160,000-square-feet facility will be built on 32 acres and will include a baseball stadium, basketball courts, soccer field, aquatic center, fitness center, a computer lab and a banquet hall. The center will also offer after school activities and programs, such as performing arts, painting, gymnastics and music. Copyright 2010 Chicago Defender