Information
Landmark: Levy Senior CenterCity: Evanston
Country: USA Illinois
Continent: North America
Levy Senior Center, Evanston, USA Illinois, North America
Overview
In Evanston, Illinois, the Levy Senior Center welcomes adults 55 and up, offering a space designed just for them-bright halls where laughter echoes and conversations flow.Founded in 1966, it’s grown into a bright, inviting center where older adults can find health care, join friends over coffee, and keep learning for life.In Evanston and nearby towns, the center is a lifeline for seniors, with everything from exercise classes and health checkups to cozy reading corners designed just for them.The facility’s located at 300 Dodge Avenue in Evanston, IL, right on the southeast corner of James Park, beside the tall chain-link fence.It measures about 26,000 square feet-roughly the size of half a football field.We’re open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on weekends from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The building is fully accessible and welcoming for seniors, with wide hallways, soft chairs, and sunlight streaming through tall windows.At the Levy Center, health and wellness take center stage with a full lineup of classes and well-equipped facilities - from heart-pumping cardio and strength training to yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Zumba, pickleball, and even slow, steady balance exercises that feel as focused as holding a tree pose.These classes welcome all fitness levels, guiding seniors to move with ease, stretch farther, and get their hearts pumping.The fitness room offers treadmills, stationary bikes, and strength machines, with locker rooms and hot showers just steps away.Certified trainers offer one-on-one fitness assessments and craft workout plans tailored to each member, ensuring they reach their health goals safely-whether that’s lifting more weight or feeling steadier on the stairs.At the Levy Center, arts and cultural programs spark creativity and celebrate culture with hands-on classes-from shaping clay and brushing on a glossy glaze to crafting mosaic tiles, cutting stained glass, blending acrylics with watercolors, and sketching the curve of a figure.Music and dance offer chances to jump into ukulele strumming, join a lively singing group, take piano lessons, or step onto the floor for ballet, line dancing, or the quick tap of shoes on wood.These programs boost mental health, spark creativity, and draw people together-like sharing ideas over coffee.Rothschild Courtyard Garden offers a calm outdoor retreat with blooming perennials, the soft sound of trickling water, and shaded benches perfect for unwinding or chatting with friends.Library: A peaceful room where the soft rustle of pages mixes with glimpses of local artwork, its shelves carefully stocked to create a calm space for study and reflection.The Art Room and Dance Studio offer dedicated spots for classes and rehearsals, each set up with the right lighting and gear-mirrors catching the glow of warm overhead lamps.Gymnasium: A spacious, adaptable room with walls that glow softly in the light, hosting everything from group workouts to basketball games and community events.The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office runs a seniors-only DMV branch right inside the center, serving residents 65 and older with Real IDs, driving tests, and vision checks-no appointment needed, just walk in and get it done.The Community Garden, built in 2021 with ADA-accessible paths, invites neighbors to grow vegetables together, share tips on sustainable gardening, and get their hands in the fresh, dark soil.Adults 55 and up qualify for membership and its benefits-whether you’re sipping coffee at sunrise or planning your next trip.It’s $55 a year for Evanston residents, $75 for non-residents, and free for anyone 90 or older under the “Heaven Can Wait” program-because at that age, the city says you’ve earned it.You’ll get free use of the fitness room, lower fees for programs, entry to members-only clubs and events, 10% off one rental each year, and a ride on the Levy Bus at no cost-perfect for residents heading downtown.At the Levy Center, you’ll find lively programs and regular gatherings, from the Levy Lecture Series-thoughtful talks on everything from local history to art-designed with seniors in mind.Jamming Jean Music Series brings live concerts every few months, mixing jazz, folk, and more into one lively night.Fran Randall Concerts showcase young, award-winning musicians, filling the room with rich, vibrant sounds and a true sense of cultural enrichment.These gatherings bring seniors together to share stories, learn new things, and enjoy each other’s company-sometimes over a warm cup of tea.The Levy Senior Center isn’t just a place to play cards or take a class-it’s a lively gathering spot where Evanston’s older adults find friendship, stay active, and keep their independence strong.The center offers everything from lively fitness classes to art workshops and social services, along with tailored amenities, creating a warm, inclusive place where seniors can flourish in body, mind, and spirit.
