Caldwell Woods Wellness Center –

Forest Preserve District of Cook County

Cook County, IL

Caldwell Woods, part of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, is a beloved natural area on the northwest side of Chicago. As one of twelve priority gateway sites identified for investment in new programs and building improvements, Caldwell Woods is being reimagined to better serve the community and enhance access to nature for all Cook County residents.

AltusWorks was engaged to transform the Caldwell Warming Shelter (originally built in 1962 to support toboggan slides) into a year-round, multi-purpose “wellness and welcome center.” The redesigned facility features flexible gathering spaces, a warming kitchen, restrooms, glazed entryway, and a spacious exterior patio centered around a firepit. The new Wellness Center strengthens the connection between people and nature by creating an inviting gateway for recreation, wellness, and community gathering all year round.