Gorton Community Center

A Unique Environment

Gorton Community Center is a privately-funded "community house" located in the former Edward F. Gorton School building at 400 East Illinois Road in Lake Forest. Built in 1901, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was completely renovated in 2000-2001. The Community Center site is beautifully landscaped and located just two blocks from Lake Forest's historic Market Square and one block from the downtown Lake Forest Metra Station.

Special Features

Historic ambiance of the Arts and Crafts period, featuring light, airy spaces with high ceilings and tasteful decoration.
Large porte cochere for covered drop-off and pick-up.
Handicap accessible.
Elevator access to all levels of the building.
Ample parking on site and in adjacent lots.
Internet/telephone connections for meetings.

The Community Room	The 1861 Room	The Friends' Room	The Green Room

The Grotto and Annex	The Solarium	Porte Cochere & Garden	Card Room

The John E. Baggett Auditorium

Information and Reservations

To obtain information, arrange to view a room, or make a reservation, please click here or call 847-234-6060, X223, during office hours, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, to make an appointment.

Rental Rates

Reduced resident rates apply to Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood residents for private events. Special rates are available for not-for-profit groups. Business and corporate events are welcome.

Room packages are available for individual events and monthly meetings. Rental fees include table and chair setups with Gorton's or renter's equipment. Additional fees for audio/video equipment use and Internet/phone connections.

Public Rooms

Gorton offers eleven public rooms, plus two kitchens, for events of every kind-from meetings to birthday parties to receptions to benefits to performing arts events.

Game Room

A lower-level informal space with stone and brick walls and carpeted floor. Adjoins Grotto, pantry kitchen, and large, open hall. Suitable for informal events.

Kitchens

First-floor kitchen is equipped with commercial gas range and ovens and commericial refrigerator. Lower-Level Pantry is equipped with large ovens, microwave oven, and large refrigerator with freezer.