Robert Crown Community Center | Evanston

The Robert Crown Community Center, located at 1801 Main Street, Evanston, Illinois, is a major recreational and cultural hub that reflects Evanston’s commitment to providing high-quality, inclusive services for residents of all ages. Reopened in 2020 after a major redevelopment, it is one of the most advanced and multifaceted community centers in the region.

🏢 Facility Overview

The newly constructed building spans 130,000 square feet and includes a wide array of facilities catering to athletics, arts, education, child care, and general community use. It was built to replace the older Robert Crown Center and now serves as a multi-purpose complex that functions year-round.

🧊 Ice Rinks

Two full-size NHL regulation ice rinks (200' x 85')

Used for:

Public skating

Youth and adult hockey leagues

Figure skating

Skating lessons

Specialty programs like broomball and curling

Rinks are heavily used throughout the year and available for private rental.

🏀 Gymnasiums

Two full-sized courts

Supports sports including:

Basketball

Volleyball

Indoor soccer

Open gym for casual play

Also used for events, tournaments, and recreation leagues.

🏃 Indoor Running Track

200-meter rubberized track on the second level

Available to all facility users during open hours

Ideal for walking, jogging, or warm-up sessions during winter months

📚 Evanston Public Library Branch

A major highlight is the 6,000-square-foot library branch inside the building.

Offers:

Lending collections for children and adults

Computers, Wi-Fi, and study tables

Quiet reading areas

Dedicated space for literacy programming and homework help

Designed to be fully integrated into the daily life of community users, especially youth and families.

🎨 Arts & Cultural Spaces

Art Studio: Offers pottery wheels, ceramics kilns, and mixed-media space.

Dance Studio: With mirrors, bars, and hardwood floors for ballet, modern dance, and fitness classes.

Multipurpose Rooms: Host activities such as painting, storytelling, crafts, and community meetings.

👶 Child Care & Education

The center operates licensed early childhood and youth programs, blending recreation with educational development:

Preschool & Early Learning Programs

Ages 2–5

Emphasis on:

Social-emotional learning

Creative play

Early literacy and math

Outdoor time in adjacent play areas

After-School Care

For children aged 5–12

Includes:

Homework help

Sports and games

Arts and crafts

STEM activities

Safe, structured environment for after-school hours, coordinated with District 65.

🌳 Outdoor Facilities

Turf Athletic Fields: For soccer, football, lacrosse, and community sports leagues.

Playground: Fully ADA-accessible with modern play equipment.

Patio and Event Lawn: Used for picnics, performances, and seasonal events.

🌿 Sustainability and Design

Designed by Woodhouse Tinucci Architects

LEED Silver Certified

Energy-efficient lighting and systems

Natural daylighting

Recycled materials

Fully accessible and ADA-compliant

Designed for durability and community longevity

🧾 Programs & Community Use

The center offers hundreds of year-round programs across categories:

Athletic Programs

Youth and adult leagues

Figure skating and hockey clinics

Pickleball, martial arts, and dance classes

Arts & Enrichment

Drawing, sculpture, clay, and multimedia art

Storytime, writing workshops, and live readings

Music and theater classes

Health & Wellness

Yoga, Zumba, senior fitness

Indoor walking club

Nutrition seminars and wellness fairs

Community Engagement

Cultural festivals

Voter registration drives

Civic meetings

Teen nights and senior socials

📆 Operations and Access

Open Daily:

Facility: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Administrative Office: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Memberships:

Open to Evanston residents and non-residents

Includes access to ice rink, gyms, and track

Day passes and rentals available

Financial Aid:

Sliding scale available for families in need

🎯 Why It Matters

The Robert Crown Community Center is a flagship example of modern civic infrastructure that prioritizes inclusivity, wellness, education, and recreation. It's not just a gym or rink—it’s a place where:

Children get a head start in learning

Teens and adults stay active and engaged

Seniors find connection and purpose

Families gather and celebrate milestones

The Robert Crown Center is more than a building—it’s the heart of Evanston’s community life.