Balancing Historic Architecture, Sustainablity and Modern Amenities

Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205, in Elmhurst, IL, welcomed the public to tour the newly renovated and expanded Hawthorne Elementary School. A special dedication to celebrate the completion of the school’s $16M makeover was held in September.

The building project included a two-story, 12-classroom addition (20,000 sq. ft.) and another 58,000 sq. ft. of renovations to the 90-year-old Hawthorne grade school. Its purpose was not only to provide more space for growing enrollment but also to modernize the teaching environment.

A notable design feature of the project was the preservation of the original historic façade within the two-story atrium between the existing building and the new addition. The changes to the building also incorporated sustainable design strategies such as permeable parking lot pavers, water-saving plumbing fixtures, and high efficiency lighting and mechanical systems.

Other project highlights included:
  • remodeling of existing classrooms with new ventilation systems, power and lighting systems, technology systems, finishes, and casework;
  • making improvements to the building envelope, including exterior window replacement, masonry restoration, and tuck pointing;
  • replacing all major mechanical systems with high-efficiency, energy-saving systems controlled by building automation;
  • remodeling art and music classrooms; and
  • providing abundant natural light through the use of window transoms and a large central skylight.
“Our challenge was to create a modern facility while maintaining the historical integrity and character of the oldest grade school in the District,” said Kevin Havens, Senior. Vice President and Director of Design, of Wight & Company.

The Elhurst district currently services more than 7,800 students who reside primarily in the city of Elmhurst and small portions of Oak Brook, Bensenville, and Addison. At present, District 205 maintains 13 schools (eight elementary schools, three middle schools, York Community High School, and an early childhood center).

The renovation and construction was managed by Wight & Company. For more information, visit www.wightco.com.

Featured

  • Designing Learning Spaces that Support Student Mental Health and Wellness

    In today’s education landscape, schools are more than just centers for learning; they are integral to the holistic development and well-being of students. The global pandemic underscored the importance of addressing mental health in schools, as productivity dropped, stress levels rose and students faced challenges managing emotions.

  • Extron, CENTEGIX Partner for Comprehensive School Security Solution

    Professional audiovisual solutions provider Extron recently announced a partnership with CENTEGIX, which provides rapid incident response technology, to integrate two of their top products in the name of school safety.

  • Pudu Robotics Launches AI-Powered, Large-Scale Floor Sweeper

    Pudu Robotics recently launched the newest member of its MT1 series of robotic floor sweepers, the PUDU MT1 Max, according to a news release. The AI-powered, 3D perception robotic sweeper was designed for use in large, complex cleaning environments both indoors and semi-outdoors, like parking garages and semi-open building atriums.

  • Delta State University Completes Renovations to School of Nursing Facilities

    Delta State University recently completed a major expansion and renovation project for the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing facilities on its campus in Cleveland, Miss., according to a news release. The project includes about 14,000 square feet of new construction and more than 21,000 square feet of renovation work to the existing space.

Digital Edition