A Place for All
At Wicker Park Lutheran Church, we believe every person deserves full access to worship, community, and belonging.
After a major accessibility renovation completed in 2026, our historic church building is now significantly more accessible to people with mobility disabilities and others who may benefit from improved access. Our goal is simple: to remove barriers so that more people can fully participate in the life of our congregation and the wider community.
Whether you’re joining us for worship, a community meeting, a concert, a recovery group, a class, or another event, we want you to know that you are welcome here!
Building’S Accessibility FEatures
- A barrier-free entry with automatic door opener is available on the north side of the building welcoming you into our main staircase (follow the exterior signs).
- An elevator servers both the upper level (Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, Church Office) and the lower level (Social Hall, Library, Nursery, Education Room, and Kitchen). Please note that the balcony is not ADA accessible.
- We have an ADA-compliant restroom on the main level just off the main staircase.
- Accessible routes throughout primary public spaces with ADA- compliant way finding (coming soon).
- Cutouts in the pews make it possible for a wheelchair to make a full turn.
- The main staircase is ADA compliant with railings and assistive stair treads.
- Air conditioning is available on the upper level (Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall) and a true HEPA air filtration system in the Sanctuary improves air quality and better welcomes those sensitive to allergens.
Because every person’s needs are different, we encourage you to contact us before your visit if you have questions about accessibility or would like assistance planning your arrival.
Worship Accessibility
We strive to make worship accessible and welcoming. In addition to the features above, we offer:
- Wheelchair-accessible seating areas in community and worship spaces.
- Communion is accessible to those in wheelchairs — we recommend coming up on the right hand (organ) side of the sanctuary and returning down the aisle on that side as it’s a bit wider than the other side aisle. We also offer communion at your seat by notifying an usher.
- Accessible, barrier-free routes to worship and community spaces.
- ADA-compliant restrooms nearby the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall.
- Large-print worship materials available at all services.
- Worship seating available that is not visible on the worship livestream.
- Social stickers offered at sanctuary doors to indicate your comfort with physical touch. These include:
- Red sticker = I’d like about six feet of space and prefer no touching
- Yellow sticker = I’d like some space, but a quick fist bump or handshake is okay
- Green sticker = I’m open to handshakes and hugs! Please ask first.
If there are additional accommodations that would help you participate fully, please contact us before your visit.
Historic Preservation and Accessibility
As a designated historic landmark, improving accessibility required thoughtful planning and significant investment.
Our 2026 A Place for All project included:
- Installation of an elevator
- Creation of an accessible restroom
- Improved building access throughout the facility
- Enhanced signage and ADA-compliant wayfinding
- Exterior automatic door opener and accessibility improvements throughout the building
We are proud that this work allows more people to experience both our historic building and the programs that take place within it.
Transportation and Arrival
Public Transportation
Wicker Park Lutheran Church is located near multiple CTA bus and rail lines. Click here to learn more about our location and local transportation options.
Parking
At this time there is not an accessible parking space near the church. We are working with the city of Chicago to change this as soon as possible. If you have questions about parking or drop-off access, please contact us before your visit.
Arrival Assistance
If you would like assistance entering the building or navigating the space, please let us know. We are happy to help!
Accessibility Questions or Accommodation Requests
We recognize that accessibility is an ongoing commitment rather than a completed project. If you have questions, encounter barriers, or would like to request accommodations, please contact us. We welcome your feedback as we continue working toward a place for all.