Summer to bring more construction at WeGo
Another summer of construction is on the docket for Community High School District 94 - the third and final summer of major renovation projects designed to enhance the learning environment at West Chicago Community High School.
In the summer of 2014, the $1 million Phase I renovation project focused on replacing outdated kitchens used for foods classes and creating a new preschool lab and classroom area.
In the summer of 2015, the $2 million Phase II renovation project re-purposed the administrative offices and relocated the nurse's office to make room for a support services area that includes counselors, social workers, deans, psychologists and school resource officers.
A secure reception area was constructed to welcome visitors, most of whom visit staff in the support services area. A College and Career Center was created to provide a place for students to research colleges and meet with college representatives.
Finally, a Student Activity Center was built to give students a place to meet and get involved in school activities.
This summer, Phase III will be the largest of the three projects and is budgeted to cost approximately $5 million. It will target the portion of the school constructed in 1965, now housing math and science classrooms.
The section is now devoid of windows; the first noticeable change will be the installation of floor-to-ceiling windows on the east ends of the main hallways on both the first and second floors, bringing in much-needed natural light and changing the look of the building facade.
In all, 14 science rooms and 16 math rooms will receive makeovers. Some science rooms will include furniture on wheels to allow for flexible placement and grouping of tables for demonstrations and projects.
And near the science rooms will be an open space that can be used as a classroom for special projects or presentations. A large component of the work is what you won't see: necessary heating and cooling, plumbing, and electrical upgrades.
Other facets of this summer's project include renovation work in the student cafeteria and serving lines.
The low bidder on the project was L.J. Morse, the company that completed the 2014 kitchen project. Funding for all the projects was provided by the sale of district-owned property in Winfield. Known as the Highlake Fund, it will be depleted when the 2016 project is complete.
The calendar for both the 2015-16 and 2016-17 school years were modified to create a very long summer for this massive construction project. School ends before Memorial Day this spring and does not begin again until after Labor Day.
For information, including architect renderings and a video walk-through, visit d94.org/construction.
• Doug Domeracki is superintendent of Community High School District 94 in West Chicago. His column appears monthly in Neighbor during the school year.