Notices of upcoming events and photos from past Kroc Center events.
The Salvation Army Announces the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Chicago
On Tueday, November 6, 2007, The Salvation Army unveiled its plans for the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, a project of unprecedented scope and size that represents the largest single investment by a social service organization in Chicago’s history. The Army also announced the funding awarded to its Chicago Metropolitan Division from the estate of Joan Kroc, the late wife of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc.
Mayor Richard M. Daley and Alderman Carrie Austin were among those participating in the announcement, which was held on the vacant parcels of land totaling 33 acres on 119th Street in the city’s West Pullman neighborhood, where the project will be constructed.
Salvation Army Lieutenant Colonel David Grindle unveiled detailed plans, architectural renderings and a three-dimensional model of the future Kroc Center. World renowned architect Helmut Jahn, Principal of Murphy/Jahn, appeared on video to lead a virtual tour of the future Center. More than 100 members of the community attended the announcement. The Johnnie Colemon Academy Choir delivered a rousing performance at the event. Pastor Leonardo Gilbert of Sheldon Heights Church of Christ delivered the invocation.
“There has never been anything like it in Chicago,” says Lt. Col. David Grindle, Chicago Metropolitan Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army. “It will redefine people’s notions of what a community center can be. The array of sports, educational, arts and supportive programs has never been offered under one roof. Both the programs and the building have been designed to enrich the mind, body and spirit, to provide hope, to transform lives.”
Click here for the full press release.
Click here to see the WBBM-TV coverage of the event.
Click here to listen to Chicago Public Radio audio from the event.
