Illinois Elementary School Breaks Ground on Campus Expansion

Heather Hill Elementary School, part of Flossmoor School District 161 in Palatine, Ill., recently broke ground on a new addition to the school focused on student support and security, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects & Engineers for the expansion as part of a longer-term facility planning and modernization initiative.

The new space will feature a security vestibule, main office, student support space with collaboration areas, and modernized kindergarten classrooms. The project is part of an ongoing collaboration between the district and Wold, starting in 2017, to update district facilities according to thoughtful, long-term planning efforts; educational priorities; and the goals and expectations listed in the district’s strategic plan, the news release reports.

“We’re excited to bring Flossmoor’s vision to life, creating a more secure, dynamic and supportive learning environment for students and staff,” said Mike Eichhorn, AIA, LEED AP, BD+C, Principal at Wold. “This addition at Heather Hill Elementary isn’t just about expanding space; it’s about enhancing the student experience and fostering a thriving educational community.”

The project is scheduled for completion before the 2025–26 academic year begins, according to the news release.

“We are thrilled to begin construction on this much-needed addition at Heather Hill Elementary,” said Dana Smith, district superintendent. “Through our continued partnership with Wold, we are making our strategic vision a reality, ensuring our facilities foster both safety and academic excellence for generations of students to come.”

About the Author

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

Featured

  • California K–12 District Completes Elementary School Campus Replacement

    The West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) in Richmond, Calif., recently announced the completion of a replacement campus for Lake Elementary School, according to a news release. The school has capacity for 470 students between Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and sixth grade.

  • Spaces4Learning Trends & Predictions for Educational Facilities in 2026: Part II

    As education leaders look toward 2026, the design of K–12 and higher education facilities is being reshaped by powerful, converging forces. Survey respondents point to the rapid growth of Career and Technical Education, deeper alignment with workforce and industry needs, and the accelerating influence of AI and emerging technologies.

  • Quattrocchi Kwok Architects Opens New Office in Denver

    Education planning and design firm Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) recently announced that it has opened a new office in Denver, Colo., the firm’s third overall. QKA is headquartered in Santa Rosa, Calif., and runs an East Bay Area office in Oakland.

  • Florida District Completes Construction on New Leadership Institute

    Pinellas County Schools near Tampa, Fla., recently announced that construction is complete on the new Dr. Michael A. Grego Leadership Institute, according to a news release. The district partnered with Rowe Architects for the project’s design and with Skanska for construction services.