Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Student Center Addition to Historic High School Honored by AIA Northeast Illinois

  • 10/18/17
Joliet High SchoolOctober 18, 2017 – The design of a new student center by Wight & Company (Wight) for a castle-like Collegiate Gothic high school was recognized with a Preservation/Adaptive Reuse Award from the Northeast Illinois chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) this month. The AIA Northeast Illinois recognition is the seventh award for this transformative student center on a campus that dates to the early 20th century.

Built in 1901, Joliet Central High School is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The limestone building features arched Gothic entrance doors and an elaborate interior with plaster relief panels, marble wainscoting and decorative cast iron staircases. "We designed this addition to be the heart of the school, one that honors the history and elegance of this extraordinary building," explained Kevin Havens, director of design for Wight.

"Our solution showcases a limestone façade of the historic school and treats it like artwork on the interior of the new structure," said Havens. Wight's design includes a three-story glass curtain wall façade that leads into a light-filled student center and open plan cafeteria that can seat up to 600 people. The focal point is a soaring structure of tubular steel.

"Our atrium design references elements of the Collegiate Gothic style, but does so in a modern way that is light and airy," said Havens. In addition to the AIA Northeast Illinois award, Wight & Company's work on the Joliet Central High School Student Center has earned the firm recognition from multiple organizations for design, engineering and preservation. Recent awards include:

  • 2017 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award, Restoration, Landmarks Illinois
  • 2017 Merit Award, New Construction, Suburbs, Chicago Building Congress
  • 2016 Honorable Mention, Excellence in the Design of Educational Environments, Illinois Association of School Boards
  • 2016 Best Projects Award, K-12 Education, ENR Midwest
  • 2016 11th Annual Preservation Award, Joliet Historic Preservation Commission
  • 2016 Award of Merit, Excellence in Structural Engineering, Best Project - $5M to $50M, Structural Engineers Association of Illinois

About Wight & Company
Established in 1939, Wight & Company is a leading Design & Delivery firm based in Chicago. With a professional staff of specialists, including 60 LEED® Accredited Professionals, Wight & Company effectively connects its planning, architecture, engineering, construction, and transportation and infrastructure services to provide clients in the public and private sectors comprehensive solutions. As the first firm to receive Green Firm Certification from the Sustainable Performance Institute (SPI) and the architect of more than 80+ LEED certified or registered projects including silver, gold and platinum designations, Wight & Company is committed to sustainable planning, design and construction principles. For more information, visit www.wightco.com

Featured

  • Minnesota District Converts Middle School into Community Hub

    White Bear Lake Area Schools in White Bear Lake, Minn., recently announced the end of a major renovation project that converted a former middle school into a new centralized district and community hub, according to a news release.

  • Longwood University Hits Construction Milestone on New Music Education Facility

    Longwood University in Farmville, Va., recently celebrated the topping out of its new music education and performance facility, according to a news release. The university partnered with development and construction firm Skanska on the 63,800-square-foot facility, which began construction in August 2025 and has an estimated completion date of fall 2028.

  • Nashville Elementary School Receives LEED Gold Certification

    Goodlettsville Elementary School, part of Metro Nashville Public Schools in Nashville, Tenn., recently achieved LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), according to a news release. The 81,750-square-foot school opened in 2023 and was designed by Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC).

  • Virginia Tech Tops Out New College of Engineering Building

    Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., recently celebrated the topping out of Mitchell Hall, which will soon stand as the largest College of Engineering building on campus, according to a news release. The university partnered with Skanska on the 285,500-square-foot facility, which has an expected completion date of winter 2028.