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

  • GeoCam and UCLA: Modernizing Campus Accessibility Mapping

    In early 2025, UCLA partnered with GeoCam to capture and modernize its pedestrian infrastructure data. The goal was ambitious but clear: to produce a high-accuracy, imagery-backed digital map of every sidewalk, pathway, ramp, and ADA-related feature on UCLA’s 419-acre campus.

  • Missouri Child Development Center Completes $2.3M Expansion

    The Urban Sprouts Child Development Center in St. Louis, Mo., recently announced the completion of a $2.3-million expansion and adaptive reuse project, according to a news release. The new space includes a retail café, outdoor learning space, and a support office building.

  • Western Kentucky University, Gilbane Announce “Elevate WKU” Partnership

    Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Ky., recently announced that it has reached the financial close on a on a public-private partnership (P3) with Gilbane Development, according to a news release.

  • 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.