HVAC Construction to Determine Park District Program Locations

Buffalo Grove Park District patrons can expect some programs to be displaced as the Alcott Center overhauls its heating and cooling system this winter.

The system has experienced breakdowns for many years, Buffalo Grove Park District Spokesman Mike Terson said. The building relies on boiler heat, and when pipes break beneath the floor, classrooms flood and jackhammers are needed to break the concrete so that repairs can be made.

The building, which was built as a school in 1958, was purchased from School District 21 in 1986.

“It’s a pretty regular occurrence,” Terson said of the maintenance issues at the park district's headquarters. “Even dating back to the ‘80s when we took it over, those breaches in the piping were happening then.”

The park district installed the building's air conditioning in 1990, he said.

The district will pay nearly $2.4 million for the heating and cooling system overhaul. The money will come from the district’s capital maintenance fund, Terson said.

Construction of the new system began in November, and so far has been limited to roof work. Work will begin in the preschool wing during winter break, and the rest of the building will follow. The work will include new ductwork in the ceiling, furnaces and air conditioners, he said.

“We’re hoping to have the entire project completed by April. That’s the goal,” Terson said. 

Until then, some park district programs will be relocated to other facilities and some might require cancellation, he said. Most of the Alcott Center’s staff will also be relocated while the work is in progress.

Terson said staff will try to finalize program locations before the park district’s next program book is mailed in January, but “there could be unforeseen inconveniences” that will result in last-minute changes.

“People will be notified as soon as we know what we’re doing,” he said.