Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Gemini Middle School Reveal New Changes, Continues Construction

  • By Yvonne Marquez
  • 09/13/19

Gemini Middle School, outside of Chicago, debuted several changes as they began this school year. Formerly known as Gemini Junior High, the school unveiled new renovations as they welcomed their doors to more than 1,000 students from 6th to 8th grade.

The new student commons at Gemini Middle School is filled with natural light.

The expansion and remodeling cost $33 million and is expected to be fully completed by the end of the year. The middle school renovations were designed by DLA Architects.

“We’re really excited about the new spaces that we have created that are going to provide fun, exciting and collaborative learning opportunities for students,” Principal Lewis Roberts told the Chicago Tribune.

“We’ve also spent a lot of time thinking about how students learn...the 21st century learner, and what students are going to need to prepare them not only for high school, but for life skills.”

Gemini Middle School, outside of Chicago, debuted several changes as they began this school year including an expanded cafeteria with learning stairs.

Features of the school include:

  • A new fitness center;
  • An expanded cafeteria with learning stairs;
  • An instrumental music suite;
  • An interior courtyard;
  • An auxiliary multi-purpose room with a stage; and
  • Kitchens for home economics.

The entrance will have the school mascot, along with blue and gold school colors, on the windows. The new student commons is filled with natural light. There are more writable surfaces located throughout the school to encourage expression and learning. In addition, there are numerous plugs to charge student-issued Chromebooks.

Upgrades to the middle school began when East Maine School District 63’s launched their master plan in December 2016. More than 100,000 square feet of space was part of the upgrades.

 

About the Author

Yvonne Marquez is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Wold Completes Geothermal Projects at Two Minnesota Schools

    Wold Architects & Engineers recently announced that it has completed two geothermal expansion projects for Mounds View Public Schools in Shoreview, Minn., according to a news release. The work at Highview Middle School and Irondale High School serves the district’s long-term goal of reducing energy costs and dependency on non-renewable fuel sources, as well as improving building performance.

  • Designing the Bridge Between Inclusivity and Independence in K–12 Schools

    Fostering independence is fundamental to learning and development for K–12 students. It offers many proven benefits, such as enhanced confidence, problem-solving, decision-making, and social skills. However, this foundational objective loses its impact if it’s not accessible and adaptable to all students. Inclusivity plays a critical role in cultivating independence and healthy autonomy for students, fostering positive student learning outcomes by uniting pedagogy with the physical learning environment.

  • University of Rochester to Break Ground on New Student Life Center

    The University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y., recently began construction on a new Student Life building, according to a news release. The first floor will contain campus-wide gathering, program, and rehearsal space; the second floor will play home to the Greenbaum Center for Jewish Life.

  • Washington State District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    Cheney School District No. 360 in Spokane County, Wash., recently announced that construction has begun on a new elementary school, according to local news. The district held a groundbreaking ceremony on May 18 in Airway Heights for the yet-to-be-named school, which is scheduled to open in fall 2027.