Baker Community Center Rentals
The Henry Rockwell Baker Memorial Community Center was formally opened and presented to the community of St. Charles on May 1, 1926, as a gift of Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Baker. The building was conceived as a "living memorial" to their son Henry Rockwell Baker, who died at age 23 from tuberculosis following a football injury, and to veterans of World War I. In an exterior wall near the entrance is a bronze plate with the veterans’ names.
The Baker Community Center is a non-tax supported agency and receives its funding from a trust established by Mr. Baker, revenue received from room rentals, donations, and investment interest. The Center is operated in cooperation with the St Charles Park District.
Comments made at time of building dedication on May 1, 1926:
"A center for wholesome recreation, social opportunity, and the promotion of all that makes for noble character and upright, active citizenship."
Available Rooms
For a PDF of the rental brochure, click here.
First Floor
On the first floor are the formal foyer, Collins Auditorium with stage, a kitchen, Lounge, and Administrative Offices of the St. Charles Park District. The Lounge contains a fireplace and portraits of Henry Rockwell Baker and parents Edward J. Baker and Harriet Rockwell Baker, painted by Paul Trebilcock of River Forest, Illinois.
Rates Are Per Hour
Collins Auditorium with Kitchen
$50 resident & not-for-profit organizations
$60 non-residents & commercial users*
Capacity: 150 people
Lounge
$25 resident & not-for-profit organizations
$35 non-residents & commercial users*Collins Auditorium with Kitchen and Lounge
$65 resident & not-for-profit organizations
$75 non-residents & commercial users*
Second Floor
On the second floor are the Ziegler Room with fireplace and wood beamed ceiling, a kitchen area, restrooms, and the office of the Director of the St. Charles Park District.
Ziegler Room with Kitchen
$25 resident & not-for-profit organizations
$35 non-residents & commercial users*
Capacity: 50 people
Third Floor
The third floor houses the Business Department of the St. Charles Park District.
Basement Level
The basement level contains the Humas Resources Office of the St. Charles Park District and the STC Underground Teen Centere Park District Youth Center. In compliance with provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a ramp to the lower level was installed on the east side of the building, and restrooms on this level are accessible to wheelchairs. Originally, this lower level included a 20' x 60' swimming pool with locker and shower facilities, three bowling alleys, and game rooms. By August, 1940, various problems connected with the maintenance of the pool brought about its closing, and shortly thereafter it was abandoned altogether and covered over with three more bowling alleys. All the alleys were removed prior to completion of a youth center in the 1960s known as the "Keg" and the "Roundabout". Please note: The keg is not available for rent.
Reservation Deposit & Rental Payment
A reservation deposit is based on the anticipated occupancy and due upon reservation:
Up to 50 people: $50
51 people to 100: $100
101 people to 150: $150
The rental amount must be paid two weeks prior to the rental date.Additions
Piano Use: $10
Sound System Use: $10Normal Hours for rentals are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. After 11 p.m., additional custodial fee of $24 per hour will apply.
Additional Weekend Fee
Baker Community Center is not open on weekends: therefore, in addition to the above fees, a $24 per hour custodial fee is charged for weekend rentals. Charges begin when the custodian opens the doors to begin setting up the room and ends after he/she has cleaned up and lock the doors.
Security Cost
Baker Community Center reserves the right to require security at rental events. This is a decision that will be made by the management of Baker Community Center. If security is required, the cost of such security will be provided to you and paid by the renter prior to the time of the rental event. The rental amount and cost of security must be paid two weeks prior to commencement of rental.
Rules & Regulations
- NO ALCOHOL IS ALLOWED on the property; if alcohol is found on the property, the event will be immediately terminated by Park District staff and the police will be called.
- NO SMOKING IS ALLOWED in the building; no food or drink allowed in the main floor Lounge.
- Fire Department Ordinance prohibits the use of lighted decorative candles in the building. Birthday cake candles, food-warming sterno candles, and religious ceremony candles are allowed, provided there is adult supervision at all times of use. No live evergreens are allowed.
- Only masking tape may be attached to paint surfaces; scotch tape cannot be used. No tape (including duct tape) may be used on the floors. NO NAILS, SCREWS, ETC. can be nailed or screwed into any area of the building.
- NO HELIUM BALLOONS are allowed in the Auditorium. They can cause damage to the ceiling fans. SMOKE/FOG MACHINES are not allowed in the building.
- NO BANDS or sponsoring groups are allowed to rent the facilities for the purpose of entertaining paid customers.
- Facilities must be rented by a responsible adult at least 21 years of age. This adult must sign a rental agreement and waiver and return it in a provided self-addressed envelope.
- Full rental payment must be made at least two weeks prior to use. Deposit is based on anticipated occupancy. The security deposit will be refunded, in full, if: the rental ends on time; damage to the building or contents does not occur; and, the building is left in a reasonable condition so additional custodial clean-up is not necessary.
- At least 48-hour notice must be given for a cancellation. A $10 administrative fee will be charged for all cancellations. If notice is given less than 48 hours in advance, the rental fee will not be refunded. Please call 630-584-1055.
- Rentals include only those rooms reserved and listed on the reservation form; other rooms cannot be used. If an additional room is utilized, the renter will be billed for rental usage.
- Children must be supervised at all times and remain in rented areas.
- After use, facilities are to be returned to their original condition. The custodian will remove the tables and chairs, clean the floor, and take out the garbage. If the building is left dirty; if the carpeting is soiled with food, or if another room is utilized that was not part of the original rental agreement, the security deposit or a portion thereof will be used to offset cleaning and additional rental expenses.
- Henry Rockwell Baker Memorial Community Center, Inc. reserves the right to refuse any rental, require employment of a police officer, revise rules, and request a Certificate of Insurance naming The Baker Community Center and St. Charles Park District as an additional insured.
- Baker Community Center pianos are tuned once a year. If a renter wishes a piano tuned for an event, there will be a charge to cover tuning costs. Estimated tuning costs will be provided to the renter.
- There is no public pay telephone in the building. Users should have accessibility to cell or other telephones for ordinary and emergency use. The Baker Community Center and the St. Charles Park District are not responsible for any loss caused by unavailability of a public pay telephone.
- If you have any questions, please call the Baker Community Center at 630-584-1055.
