Plan Commission approves redevelopment of Up Top Building

The Chicago Plan Commission has approved the proposed redevelopment of the Up Top Building at 13100 S. Ellis. Located in Altgeld Gardens, the historic Up Top Building will be converted into a community center by local organization By The Hand Club For Kids.

Originally constructed in 1945, the Up Top Building served as the commercial hub for Altgeld Gardens but has fallen into a state of disrepair. The project aims to fully repurpose the culturally and historically significant property with a community center that will serve community youth with after-school programming, sport activities, and provide space for the entire community to gather and socialize.

Designed by Present Future Architects, the redevelopment will be respectful to the existing building, repairing and rehabilitating the existing structure while adding a one-story addition that complements the existing building. The building’s main entrance will be emphasized with a glass storefront and concrete pavement on the site leading from the sidewalk to the main entry. New glazing will be added into the existing building openings to activate the facade that is currently bricked in or boarded up. 

Inside the building, the main entry that encompasses the memorial wall will be approximately in the middle of the building. The curved building will have administrative space and a multipurpose room located adjacent to the main entry, with classrooms occupying the majority of the building’s interior. A gymnasium will be located within the new addition at the south end of the building. 

The project will be served by a surface parking lot located in front of the building along S. Ellis Ave with 70 parking spaces. 

To allow for the scope of the $24.3 million project, the organization is seeking to rezone the site to amend the Planned Development 1186 by incorporating the project site, currently zoned RS-1, into the Planned Development. With approval from the Chicago Plan Commission secured, the proposal can seek final approval from the Committee on Zoning and City Council. If approved, construction is expected to begin this fall and wrap up one year later in Fall 2027.