Prairie Shores' new Gensler-designed clubhouse officially breaks ground

After receiving its building permit last month, work is officially underway on a new two-story "clubhouse" for residents of the five-tower Prairie Shores apartment complex in Bronzeville. Farpoint Development and Golub & Company held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday for the 17,500-square-foot addition, located between the towers at 2901 and 2951 S. Martin Luther King Drive.

Designed by architecture firm Gensler in collaboration with Stanton Interior Concepts, the project features a two-level fitness center, a cafe, a game room, a lounge, a kitchen, coworking areas, and a roof deck with grilling stations and fire pits. The facility will also include a new home for Prairie Shores' leasing and management offices.

The new clubhouse is part of a larger modernization initiative from Farpoint and Golub, which acquired the 20-acre Prairie Shores complex with partner Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group in 2019. Other upgrades include ongoing renovations to the five tower's 1,675 residential units and enhancements to the corridors, lobbies, elevators, and landscaping. 

"Prairie Shores residents work hard and are proud of their community, and after such a difficult and isolated year, they deserve a warm and inviting space to relax and engage with their neighbors," said Steve Sise, senior vice president of portfolio management at Golub & Company, in a statement. "We're excited to bring a gorgeous space and new inspiration to the families of Prairie Shores."

Construction on the new clubhouse is expected to wrap up in the second quarter of 2021. In the meantime, check out the gallery above to see fresh renderings of the finished space.