District 21 breaks ground on new support services center

Community Consolidated School District 21 hosted a groundbreaking ceremony in December to mark the beginning of its innovative new Community Service and Administrative Center. The building will bring together community support services under one roof.

"This is a game-changing moment for District 21 and the six communities we represent," said Phil Pritzker, president, District 21 board of education.

The first floor of the building will provide space for current District 21 community partners, like OMNI Youth Services, Hands On Suburban Chicago, NWSRA and the YWCA, as well as a medical clinic space for physical, dental, and mental health care. Large- and small-group community meeting spaces will be available throughout the building.

"This project will change the game for our community by connecting all of the services that help students be successful in the classroom," said Dr. Michael Connolly, superintendent, District 21.

"It's not just about reading, writing, and arithmetic anymore. It's about the whole child and providing access and removing barriers for our families to be able to help their children be successful."

The Community Service and Administrative Center is central to District 21's forward-thinking plan to support the needs of all community members. The center will serve as a consolidated access point to meet a variety of community needs.

"This is a visionary idea and, when complete, will be an extraordinary accomplishment," said Congressman Brad Schneider. "Our communities are stronger when we make investments in our community and, of course, there is no greater investment than in our kids."

The new District 21 Community Service and Administrative Center is slated to open in fall 2022. The building was designed by the longtime architects for District 21, Arcon Associates.

Nicholas and Associates is serving as construction manager, and Wingspan Development Group is a partner on the London Crossing project.