The Story of Summit Square
Before becoming a center for community service, 611 E. Main Street welcomed generations of students as Summit School.
Today, the former school building is known as Summit Square. Within its walls, the Dundee Township Foundation operates its food pantry from the school’s former gymnasium—continuing the building’s long tradition as a place where the community comes together.
A Building With a Continuing Purpose
Summit Square began as Summit School, a school building constructed around 1971. Its classrooms, hallways, gymnasium, and other shared spaces were originally designed to support students and school activities.
After the school ceased operating, the property remained vacant for several years. In 2013, businessman Tom Roeser purchased the former school and began converting much of the interior into offices. The redevelopment gave the building a new role while preserving its connection to the Dundee community.
The property later became home to Dundee Township offices, local organizations, businesses, event space, and the Community Cares food pantry.
More Than Five Decades at 611 E. Main Street
Summit Square has changed with the community while continuing to serve as a place for education, public services, and local support.
Summit School Is Built
Property records identify 1971 as the building’s construction year. The facility included classrooms, a gymnasium, and other spaces associated with its use as a school.
A Place for Students and Families
For years, the building operated as Summit School. The gymnasium that once hosted school activities would later become central to the Foundation’s food pantry operations.
The Former School Sits Vacant
After the school closed, the building remained vacant for several years while the Village and prospective developers considered how the property could be reused.
Redevelopment Begins
Businessman Tom Roeser purchased the former Summit School and began renovating the interior into individual office suites. The project transformed the vacant school into a multi-use property.
Dundee Township Moves In
Dundee Township moved its supervisor’s and assessor’s offices from the basement of the Fox River Valley Public Library into offices at Summit Square.
Village Acquires Remaining Space
The Village of East Dundee acquired a substantial portion of the remaining vacant space in Summit Square. Contemporary reporting stated that the Village owned approximately 57 percent of the building.
Foundation Expands Its Work at Summit Square
The Village approved an agreement allowing the Dundee Township Foundation to use portions of Summit Square for a food pantry, clothing program, and community service activities. The agreement allowed use of as many as ten former classroom spaces.
A Permanent Foundation Home Takes Shape
The Village authorized a real estate purchase and sale agreement with the Dundee Township Foundation for Summit Square Units 113, 121, and 222.
The Former Gym Is Renovated
Volunteers helped transform the former Summit School gymnasium into an organized and functional home for food pantry operations.
A Community Space Continues Serving
Summit Square remains home to public offices, local organizations, businesses, and the Dundee Township Foundation’s food pantry operations.
Turning the Former Gym Into a Food Pantry
Volunteers played an important role in preparing and improving the former gymnasium for food storage, order packing, and pantry operations.
A New Chapter of Community Service
The rooms and gathering spaces of the former school have found new purposes. For the Dundee Township Foundation, the former gymnasium now provides the space needed to receive donations, organize food, pack grocery orders, and prepare assistance for local residents.
The building’s use has changed, but its community purpose has continued. A space once used to support students now helps the Foundation serve seniors, homebound residents, families, and others who need reliable access to groceries and essential items.
Summit Square represents more than the preservation of an older building. It demonstrates how a familiar community property can be adapted to meet new needs while remaining connected to its original public-service mission.
A Note About Summit Square
Summit Square is a multi-unit property with several public, commercial, and community occupants. In 2022, the Village of East Dundee authorized a purchase and sale agreement with the Dundee Township Foundation for Units 113, 121, and 222. The Foundation’s ownership and operations therefore relate to its portion of Summit Square rather than the entire building.
Historical Sources
This timeline was prepared using municipal records, contemporary news coverage, and commercial property records. Some dates describing the Foundation’s renovations are based on Foundation records and photographs.
- Daily Herald: “Roeser buys Summit School, converts it to office space,” December 19, 2013
- The Courier-News: East Dundee agreement with the Dundee Township Foundation at Summit Square
- Village of East Dundee Ordinance 22-50: Purchase and sale agreement for Summit Square Units 113, 121, and 222
- Village of East Dundee Resolution 12-21: Foundation use of a portion of Summit Square
- Summit Square commercial property information