Lawndale Christian Health and Fitness Center

With its solid red brick sides and walls of glass, the new Lawndale Christian Health and Fitness Center stands as a symbol of hope and possibility for the community and its residents. The latest addition to the Lawndale Christian Health Center – and the first fitness center built in North Lawndale – enhances not only the streetscape, but also the opportunities for health and wellness in the neighborhood. The 60,000-square-foot facility reflects a renewed neighborhood focus on wellness. Equipped with more than 100 fitness machines, the center’s main floor features an indoor track, areas for group fitness and youth exercise classes, and free, personalized exercise and weight loss programs. Upper floors feature a pharmacy, 30 medical exam rooms, and 17 dental bays, expected to allow over 300,000 medical visits and 20,000 dental visits annually. The lobby includes a café with healthy food options for visitors to enjoy year-round. In addition, rooms are available to house the Lawndale Christian’s Centering Pregnancy program and parenting discussion groups. The Health and Fitness Center, which meets the city’s Sustainable Development Policy by fulfilling Green Roof and LEED certification guidelines, was erected on a long-vacant block of Ogden Avenue. For creating a building that fulfills fitness, medical, wellness and economic needs of the North Lawndale neighborhood, the Lawndale Christian Health and Fitness Center is this year’s recipient of The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Outstanding Non-Profit Neighborhood Real Estate Project.