Hoffman Estates grants Montessori school permission to expand

A growing Montessori school in Hoffman Estates will be expanding in a vacant shopping center on Freeman Road.

The board unanimously agreed Monday to allow the Montessori School of North Hoffman to continue developing in a commercial property at 1250 Freeman Road, just west of its original location at 1200 Freeman Road.

As of last year, the school was operating classes at both buildings, which are separated by Mumford Drive. The property at 1250 Freeman Road was a retail center from the late 1970s that was partly remodeled to create an administrative office and classrooms for about 15 to 20 adolescent students.

About 170 students ages 3 to 12 attend class in the building at 1200 Freeman Road. It will continue to serve as the main building of the school, and as the drop off and pick up location.

With the board’s approval, the school is now planning to fully renovate the property at 1250 Freeman Road and add two small upper levels, complete with four classrooms, an administrative office, a reflection and serenity room and a fine arts room.

School officials are also hoping to enhance some of the park district land surrounding the school to create a nature-inspired play space.

It is estimated that between 70 to 100 students could one day use the property at 1250 Freeman Road.

Mayor William McLeod said the buildings are located in a neighborhood business district that was originally zoned to have a lot more density than what currently exists.

“Personally, I’m very pleased to see the Montessori school take over this property,” he said. “I was concerned that building was just going to sit there forever, so this is a very good use.”