USO Illinois Great Lakes Center 15,000-Square-Foot Remodeled Facility Reopens

The USO is proud to announce the reopening of its flagship USO Great Lakes Center after an extensive renovation that has reimagined the space and created a renewed environment from which to welcome thousands of military service members and their families, annually. The 15,000-square-foot USO Great Lakes Center on Naval Station Great Lakes — home to the U.S. Navy’s only boot camp — hosts more than 80,000 visits per year by trainees, service members and their families.

Throughout 2020 and despite impact from the COVID-19 pandemic, a dedicated, cross functional team, including Perkins Eastman Architects, Leopardo Construction, Navy Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), IMEG Engineers and Harbor Group Management Co., LLC, worked tirelessly to create a reimagined, modern environment for the military community. The vision for renewal of the space required a gut renovation — one of the largest renovations ever completed by the USO. After a comprehensive review of conditions, the complete remodel included kitchen, reception, recreation, and bathroom areas.