Grand Crossing, on Chicago’s South Side, has had its share of problems over the years as housing stock deteriorated, schools declined, and violence and drugs became facts of life. But kids in the community now have what might be the best-looking youth center in the city, as you can see from Lee Bey’s above photo.
The Gary Comer Youth Center, built by Lands’ End founder and former Grand Crossing resident Gary Comer, has opened at 7200 S Ingleside Ave to rave reviews, including Blair Kamin’s architectural critique in yesterday’s Chicago Tribune. Architect John Ronan delivered a beautiful new home for the South Shore Drill Team and a variety of kids’ programs. You can see a slideshow of the new facility at John Ronan’s Web site if you have the patience to click around the goofy menu.