History 1925-1935

JPI on Taylor and Lytle Streets continued to expand its programs and services, but Chicago’s Jewish community had begun to move to new areas, especially to the Lawndale District.

In 1927, JPI relocated its facilities to the Lawndale District (3500 Douglas Blvd., Chicago) to meet the needs of this Jewish community.

The new JPI building was made possible by a fund drive chaired by President Jacob Loeb . The new JPI building was the largest and most modern facility of its kind in the country. The four-story building, designed specifically to be a community center, included a gymnasium, swimming pool, auditorium/ theatre and magnificent roof gardens that quickly become the focus of summer activity for the Lawndale Jewish community.

In 1931, the estimated Jewish population in the Lawndale area was 75,400 people, 67%. JPI’s membership soared for the following 2 ½ decades.

In 1932, JPI opened its first day camp in Chicago.

In 1933, during the Depression, the City of Chicago was forced to close Crane Junior College because of lack of funds. JPI created the People’s Junior College (housed at the JPI building) to help thousands of students continue their college educations. The college remained in operation at JPI until 1936 when the City of Chicago was able to re-open public sponsored junior colleges.

In 1935, JPI created and launched its first nursery school program