The historic Brushwood Center building, located within the Ryerson Conservation Area in Lake County, is set to undergo a $5 million renovation aimed at enhancing public accessibility, sustainability, and capacity. The Lake County Forest Preserves board approved a new 20-year license agreement with the nonprofit Brushwood Center during a recent meeting, allowing the organization to continue its stewardship of the site through December 2046, with an option for a two-year renewal.

Originally constructed in 1942, the building once served as the summer home of the Ryerson family. Edward Ryerson, a former chairman of Inland Steel Co. and a key advocate for the formation of the Lake County Forest Preserves District, saw his family donate significant acreage to the preserves beginning in 1966. After Edward and his wife Nora passed away, the Forest Preserves assumed management of the 550-acre Ryerson Woods in 1971. Friends of Ryerson Woods, which later evolved into the Brushwood Center, was established in 1984. Today, the Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area spans 565 acres and features 6.5 miles of trails.

Catherine Game, executive director of the Brushwood Center, described the agreement as mutually beneficial. She noted that the building, designed as a private residence, lacked key features necessary for public use, including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Planned improvements include installing rooftop photovoltaic panels and expanding the largest program room by 30 percent to better accommodate community events such as presentations, concerts, and educational programs.

The fundraising campaign for these renovations has raised nearly $10 million from individual and foundation donors over the past four years, with approximately $140,000 remaining to meet the target. The agreement also commits the Brushwood Center to contribute $500,000 over two decades to the Forest Preserves Preservation Foundation, supporting the ongoing conservation of Ryerson Woods.

Following the board’s endorsement, the Brushwood Center is moving forward with construction planning and permit acquisition, aiming to begin work in early 2027, weather permitting, with hopes to reopen the building by summer that year.

While the Brushwood Center operates the facility, ownership remains with the Forest Preserves. This arrangement, though not without controversy, reflects similar partnerships elsewhere, such as the Chicago Botanic Garden, which is owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County but operated by the Chicago Horticultural Society.

During the meeting, some board members expressed reservations about the division of maintenance responsibilities for the facility. Ann Maine voiced concerns that splitting accountability between the Forest Preserves and Brushwood Center created operational complexity, referring to the arrangement as “Frankenstein’s monster.” Other members defended the compromise, emphasizing the importance of balancing public ownership with nonprofit investment and management. The board ultimately approved the license agreement by a 14-2 vote, with Maine and Michael Danforth dissenting.