A $1.1 million renovation of the former American Legion building in Highland Park would provide a new facility for the Suburban Fine Arts Center.
The center has presented its financing plan to the Highland Park City Council for renovating the 14,000-square-foot building at 1957 Sheridan Rd.
The renovated facility would replace the center’s current 10,000-square-foot facility at 1913 Sheridan Rd.
“Our current space is cramped and inefficient and carved out of nooks and crannies within the building,” said Ann Rosen, executive director. “The new space will be designed to meet our needs and be handicapped accessible.”
The Suburban Fine Arts Center is a not-for-profit organization that offers more than 100 classes to children and adults, Rosen said.
The classes primarily focus on the visual arts. Other programs include an art gallery, a craft festival and other special events.
Center officials estimated that having the larger facility would increase enrollment and generate money from the rental of extra space for special events.
The city purchased the former American Legion property last year and has agreed to a 40-year lease with the center.
The City Council unanimously approved the financing plan.
