Chicago, IL – The Carole Robertson Center for Learning will celebrate the completion of its renovated Little Village flagship site with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, March 4, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 2929 West 19th Street.
Construction began in late 2024 in a phased approach that allowed the Center to continue regular operations without service interruption to approximately 300 children, youth, and families. The facility underwent substantial remodeling of early childhood and youth development classrooms and the gymnasium. A full-service kitchen was created to provide fresh and healthy meals, and outdoor play spaces were updated to inspire curiosity and empower young learners to reach their fullest potential.
“The completion of this project marks an important milestone for our community. “An inspiring, well-designed learning environment provides more opportunities for children, youth, and families to learn, grow, and thrive. It also fosters collaboration, innovation, and professional growth for the teachers and program support teams who deliver on our mission each day. The investments in this site ensure a stronger community for generations to come.”
The renovations were made possible through the Center’s Invest Today, Empower Tomorrow campaign that launched more than three years ago. Originally owned by the State of Illinois, the building became the Center’s first early childhood program site in 1989 and shortly after expanded to serve school-age youth. The redesigned facility reflects research-backed approaches to learning environments, offering safe, bright, and welcoming spaces for children, families, and staff.
The Robert R. McCormick Foundation partnered with the Carole Robertson Center as the project’s earliest and largest supporter, committing $4,000,000 to make the renovation possible. “Investing in the Carole Robertson Center for Learning is an investment in the future of Chicago’s children,” said Timothy P. Knight, President and CEO, Robert R. McCormick Foundation. “We are proud to support an organization that has been a trusted partner in education and see it deliver on its promise to help all children and youth reach their fullest potential.”
The Carole Robertson Center also secured a significant New Markets Tax Credits investment for this project, financed through J.P. Morgan Chase and the Chicago Development Fund. “We’re proud to support the transformation of this site, helping the Carole Robertson Center for Learning expand access to high‑quality childcare,” said Melissa Pillars, Executive Director, J.P. Morgan Community Development Banking. “This renovation delivers state‑of‑the‑art spaces and resources for children and consistent care for working parents, strengthening family stability and the region’s economic resilience.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will include remarks from Dianne Robertson Braddock, sister of Carole Robertson, the organization’s namesake and a victim of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama, along with community stakeholders, elected officials, and funding partners.
The project was designed by Perkins Eastman, with Valenti Builders serving as the general contractor and Preston Design & Construction Consulting providing project management.
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