Mount Prospect’s Community Connections Center getting new, bigger home

Mount Prospect’s Community Connections Center could have a new home as soon as next year.

The village board Tuesday agreed to spend $2.1 million to buy a 1.2-acre property at 1601 E. Algonquin Road, the current location of Imperial Surveillance.

It will not only be a new home, but a permanent one — the center currently leases a 3,600-square-foot space at 1711 W. Algonquin Road.

The village plans to renovate an existing 21,000-square-foot building to house the relocated center and library, as well as a food pantry and a police substation and meeting room.

The center, which opened in 2009, serves as a satellite location for the village’s Human Services Department and the South Mount Prospect branch of the Mount Prospect Public Library.

It provides access to social services, public health nursing and a community service officer.

But Esther Salutillo, the village’s deputy director of human services, said the center has outgrown its space.

The need to expand was highlighted in a 2025 needs assessment conducted by Initium Health. The assessment identified consistent barriers to accessing services, including transportation, cost and child care.

Assistant Village Manager Alex Bertolucci said the village believes the size of the building meets the current needs, with the potential to expand to provide future services. He also said it offers a favorable travel distance for clients.

Trustee Vince Dante said he hopes to see a food pantry with more of a supermarket feel. He also thinks the building renovation could be eligible for a grant.

“It's amazing to me what the Human Services Department does with such a small staff in such a small space. So I can't wait to see what you all can do in this space,” Trustee Colleen Saccotelli said.

“I’ve said this before, that human services, you’re the angels of our community. And this building will give you space to spread your wings further, to meet the needs of the community,” Mayor Paul Hoefert said.

The village will purchase the property using South Mount Prospect TIF funds.

“This is exactly what a TIF should be used for,” Dante said.

The village’s goal is to move in by the time the lease on the current center expires in May 2027.

Trustees will vote March 17 for a budget amendment and an architectural contract. The construction plan is to follow the model used for Fire Station 11 at 1415 E. Algonquin Road, using a combination of public works employees and contract labor.