Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Illinois District Breaks Ground on Two New Junior High Schools

  • By Matt Jones
  • 10/01/24

Joliet Public Schools District 86 in Joliet, Ill., recently began construction on two new junior high schools—the district’s first new schools since 2011, according to a news release. New facilities for Hufford Junior High School and Gompers Junior High School will serve the east and west sides of the city and be built next to their current facilities, which will be demolished after the project is complete. The district is partnering with construction management firm Nicholas & Associates on both facilities.

Funding comes from a $99.5-million bond that voters approved in a 2023 referendum. Both schools are more than 66 years old, and their new counterparts will include upgrades like larger classrooms and hallways, improved ADA accommodations, enhanced technology, safety and security upgrades, and sustainability initiatives. Both schools combined will serve about 1,800 students, the news release reports.

“Beautifully designed and constructed with today’s learning environment in mind, these state-of-the-art facilities will enhance the lives of the students and families of Joliet for generations to come,” said Nicholas & Associates Vice President Joe Papanicholas.

The district enrolls a total of 9,363 students, according to the news release.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Wisconsin District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    The School District of La Crosse in La Crosse, Wis., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff of two existing schools, according to local news. Funding for the school comes from a $53-million referendum approved in 2024.

  • UT System Approves First Funds for New Campus

    The University of Texas System Board of Regents recently approved funds to build the first facility of a new campus in far west Fort Worth, Texas, according to university news. UTA West will serve as a branch of the University of Texas at Arlington and is scheduled to open in fall 2028.

  • Stanford Completes Construction on Graduate School of Education Facility

    Stanford University in Stanford, Calif., recently announced the end of construction on a new home for its Graduate School of Education, according to a news release. The university partnered with McCarthy Building Companies on the 160,000-square-foot project, which involved two major renovations and one new construction effort.

  • Northeastern University Breaks Ground on New Housing Community

    Northeastern University recently announced the groundbreaking of a new student housing community on its campus in Boston, Mass., according to a news release. The university is partnering with American Campus Communities (ACC) for development of the project, which will have the capacity for 1,200 students and has a scheduled completion date of fall 2028.