The Center on Halsted
It seems Chicago’s dream of becoming a gay destination is going to come true. The Center on Halsted, one of country’s only gay community centers opened this month is anticipated to make Chicago, a gay destination.
It’s a $20 million gay community centre designed by the architectural firm Gensler. With recreational, cultural and support services all under one roof, the facility is the most comprehensive gay community center in the Midwest.
The complex features green design, including natural ventilation and light, the rooftop garden and a rainwater collection system that is used for the toilets. It also features the terra cotta and brick facade of the 1920s-era building once on the site.
It’s a three story 185,000-square-foot complex with lofty rooms where people can play basketball in a huge gym, attend a production in the theater and surf the Web in a computer lab. Also there is a cafe, underground parking garage and a Whole Foods grocery store. There is also dedicated space for seniors, teens and offices.
The center reflects the city’s diversity and is drawing people from across the world.
Source: MSNBC
