Eden Place Nature Center - Ongoing Projects

Eden Place Nature Center - An Urban Oasis

Building Fund Campaign

Architects at the Illinois Institute of Technology have worked with us to develop plans that capture our vision for a permanent, on-site, environmentally friendly building at Eden Place. This partnership is consistent with the mission of IIT's Office of Community Affairs which states, "Illinois Institute of Technology is helping to revitalize its surrounding community, and contributing to citywide public policy goals. IIT's resources are being put to use in critical areas such as education, housing and community development." Eden Place Nature Center is proud to partner with such an excellent local institution. In order to learn more about ways in which you might contribute to our Building Fund Campaign, contact our Director of Development, Ariellah Chism, at 773-624-8686.

Solar Bus Theater

At Eden Place we are dedicated to promoting the responsible reuse of objects and materials, both to save items from landfills and local dump sites and to model creativity in the use of resources. In line with this vision is our Solar Bus Theater project. To the left is a photo of a bus that was destined for the junk yard. However, Mr. Michael Howard obtained this bus to actualize his vision for a solar powered movie theater at Eden Place. In 2010 the Solar Bus Theater became a reality. Eden Place resident artist Leon Madkins transformed the bus into a work of art (photo to right). Photo voltaic cells were then installed on the roof that capture solar energy and convert it into working electricity. This energy enables the bus to be used as a theater in which visitors view educational and enjoyable films. The Solar Bus Theater serves as a demonstration of renewable energy in practice and allows visitors to learn about the usefulness and future likelihood of solar powered items. Check back soon for news about the progress of this exciting project and to find out how you can view a movie in our Solar Bus Movie Theater!