Building Features

Located in Chicago -- a city voted one of America ’s Ten Greenest Cities -- Pacific Garden Mission’s new 150,000 square foot building was designed to meet or exceed LEED Silver certification [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design]. The green features of the new facility include 100 solar panels, energy efficient heating/cooling, greenhouses to grow a portion of the needed food and to train guests in horticultural skills, material conservation and recycling, and an inner landscaped courtyard allowing fresh air without the need to be on the street.

Individuals and families served by PGM will directly benefit from these components by living in a healthier environment on three spacious floors. Lower energy bills should also result. The functional state-of-the-art building is the first such green rescue mission in America and will serve as a prototypical mission with a number of self-sustaining elements. Not far from its previous location and easily accessible from Chicago ’s central city area, PGM is ready to continue serving the needy of Chicago in greater numbers.

Expanded Capacity

With all ministry services under one roof, PGM will benefit from economies of scale and be able to accommodate over 950 people each night, an increase of over 35% -- including approximately 200 women and children. The larger quarters will also allow the simultaneous feeding of over 600 people [a 300% increase from prior 150 capacity] and the seating of 600 in the auditorium [up 140% from the previous capacity of 250].

Tens of thousands of articles of clothing are distributed each month, plus thousands receive free medical, dental, and eye care each year. The new building features:

• 600 person dining area
• 600 seat auditorium
• 8000 sq ft. transit men’s daytime class/activity space/computer lab [+ outdoor recreation space]
• 4800 sq. ft. program men’s class space
• 2400 sq. ft. transit women’s daytime space [+ outdoor recreation space]
• 4800 sq. ft. clinic
• 2300 sq. ft. women’s clothing sorting/distribution
• 2950 sq. ft. men’s clothing sorting/distribution
• 2000 sq. ft. women’s gym
• 2580 sq. ft. men’s gym
• 2400 sq. ft. men’s linen and laundry space
• 1800 sq. ft. women’s linen and laundry space
• 2 libraries – one for men and one for women

Pacific Garden Mission provides safe haven for mothers and children, and victims of domestic violence. Our rehab program helps counsel those with addiction and substance abuse problems. In addition to providing more people with housing, food, clothing and medical care, the new facility will also enable the expansion of the Bible Education and Career Development Program.

These programs help each participant achieve self-reliance and financial independence, spiritual, social and educational growth, and the ability to become productive members of society. This program includes GED/literacy and computer classes.

Building Design

The new building’s architect Stanley Tigerman, a native Chicagoan, has designed buildings throughout the world. Having studied at M.I.T., the Chicago Institute of Design, and Yale University, he taught for many years at the University of Illinois, Chicago, and is a principal of Tigerman-McCurry Architects, Chicago.