On Halsted Street, drills sound and hammers clank away, even during the winter chill.
Walking through the construction site of the new Center on Halsted, one can see that the dream is coming to fruition. Although the roof is exposed and the walls are not up, one can make out the offices, meeting rooms, halls, theater, recreation hall and much more out of the large expanse of metal frames and cement.
There is still much to do before the massive three-story building—the first of its kind in the Midwest—opens for programming in April 2007 and is ready for its grand opening in June. Beyond the construction, there is one thing in particular the GLBT community and its supporters can do before the start of the New Year.
December is the final month to meet the Kresge Foundation Challenge. Center on Halsted, which will be at 3656 N. Halsted, must meet the capital campaign fundraising goal of $20 million in pledges by Dec. 31 in order to receive Kresge Foundation's challenge grant of $800,000. Approximately $1.1 million more needs to be raised before the Center meets its goal.
For those who didn't make it out to the Dec. 3 Center Night Out fundraising events, or for those who would like to donate more, visit Center on Halsted's Web site at www.centeronhalsted.org . Those making a donation can also look into whether the company they work for makes matching donations, or if an organization they know gives charitable gifts. In addition, there are opportunities for community members to become volunteers.
'Our vision is becoming a reality,' Center on Halsted Deputy Executive Director Modesto 'Tico' Valle told Windy City Times after a tour of the site. 'This is a very exciting time. We're living our mission.'
Once completed, Center on Halsted will be one of the largest facilities of its kind in the nation. More than 40 organizations have expressed interest in making the Center their home, allowing the facility to expand its services, such as youth and senior programming, and offer a wide array of services under one roof.
When asked what people will be most impressed by the first time they enter the new Center, Valle said, 'I think they'll take pride in the beauty of the building and [ will ] be proud to [ be ] part of the GLBT community.'
So far, Center on Halsted has gathered about 13 partners, including Amigas Latinas and the Rainbow Deaf Alliance. 'It's bringing all these small groups in … and really supporting them,' Valle said. Small groups can take advantage of the Center's free services, such as fundraising and board development.
Having a wide variety of organizations and groups under one roof will help bind the community. The Center will also be a place where GLBT individuals of all walks of life can find everything they need, from help and support, to enjoying plays or partaking in yoga classes. 'I think it will help to give our community some cohesiveness,' he added.
'The diversity of people who have come together to make this happens all believe this is important and our community deserves it,' Valle said.
