Gorton Community Center

Specialties

Enriching the community by offering an attractive, supportive place for groups to host cultural, social and educational programs, services and events.

History

Established in 1972.

Our History

Gorton has a rich history with deep roots in the community. Please take a few moments to find out more about why Gorton’s mission is «To Be the Heart of the Community.»

The «Community’s House»

Since 1972, «Gorton» has meant «the community’s house» to Lake Forest and Lake Bluff residents. Gorton’s place as a local landmark dates to 1901, when it opened as the Central School, Lake Forest’s first consolidated K-​12 school.

The Building’s History

The school was designed by James Gamble Rogers and remodeled in 1907 by Howard Van Doren Shaw, who also designed Market Square. In 1935, Anderson and Ticknor created an east addition, including the John E. Baggett Auditorium, named for a much admired school superintendent. Ralph Millman oversaw a 1953 renovation of the building. The Stuart Community Room was added in 1985, and the Auditorium was renovated and restored in 1992. The Gorton building was completely renovated in 1999 – 2001 to bring its users new and improved program spac