Mosque Foundation Expansion Project
Community Update
Assalamu Alaikum,
Our most noticeable improvement, the expansion project, is nearing completion. By the grace of Allah (SWT), our community truly joined hearts and extended hands, selflessly and generously, in hopes of concluding this historic endeavor. Our newly expanded masjid enthusiastically opened its doors to thousands of worshippers last Ramadan, and for the first time in many years, we prayed the Eid Al-Adha salah in unison, without the need to hold two separate prayers.
By the end of the expansion, our mosque, distinguished among mosques in Chicago Area and the United States, has become:
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More welcoming, with open and inviting entrances, a spacious lobby, and more parking spaces.
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Environmentally friendly, as the first mosque in America to install a solar panel for heating, and also installing LED lights, “green” carpet and an efficient heating and cooling system.
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Considerate of our sisters, with areas for prayer and activities designed with input from our sisters to accommodate their needs.
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Child-friendly, with larger areas designated exclusively for babysitting.
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Mindful of people with special needs, complying with ADA codes.
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Accommodating to our staff, with more office spaces and functional areas for volunteers.
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Technologically sophisticated, with the integration of a state-of-the-art AV system projected to last for the next 20 years.
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Aware of the need for privacy, assigning a waiting area and counseling rooms for those who come to the mosque for support.
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Functional, with many spaces for meetings, lectures and workshops.
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Safer, by installing a security system.
The new, three-floor structure, the product of your spiritual and financial devotion, stands as a testament to the promising future of Islam in America. It is already one of the busiest, and most regularly attended, Islamic centers in the United States. We extend our gratitude to all of those who supported us throughout this daunting project. Insha’Allah, everlasting rewards await them, increasing manifold each time a worshipper bows in prayer or receives guidance here. The effects of this expansion will impact our community for generations, insha’Allah. Below are some updates on this project:
EXPANSION FIGURES
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Existing facilities = 17,738 square ft.
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Added facilities = 25,080 sq. ft.
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Total facility = 42,818 sq ft.
BASEMENT
•Prayer Hall that fits an additional 278 worshippers• Babysitting Facilities
• Kitchen • Classrooms • Wudu’ Amenities•
1st FLOOR
•Prayer Hall that fits an additional 507 worshippers • Imam and Secretarial Offices•
2nd FLOOR
•Library • Bookstore• Boardroom •Adjunct Offices•
•Overflow prayer space for an additional 352 worshippers•
PARKING
•Adjacent lot for an added 110 spaces
COST
Although we exceeded our initial projected cost due to the addition of unexpected, but necessary features, updating our infrastructure, purchasing a new parking area and remodeling the old mosque building, the bottom line is comparable to other projects of equivalent caliber. Our Expansion Management Team spent hundreds of hours to oversee the project, make any adjustments and eliminate any excess items. You were, as anticipated, up to challenge, and as a result of your benevolence and consistent philanthropy, we have the benefit of one the best-constructed mosques in America.
We continue to accept donations towards this momentous project to repay our loans, as well as complete the remodeling. To donate, please make your check payable to the Mosque Foundation, and note on the memo ‘Expansion Project’. You can also donate online by credit card. For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Contact information
tel.: 708-430-5666 • fax: 708-430-5235