The Niles School District 71 board has selected the exterior design for its proposed expansion and renovation project.
The design the board chose was from a number of options proposed by STR Partners, the architectural firm handling the project. The darker exterior and colored windows will offer a contrast to the face of the existing building.
The district is planning a two-story addition to the southwest corner of the building at 6901 W. Oakton in Niles. The addition would add 30,000 square feet to the existing 100,000 square feet, while renovating about 12,000 square feet inside. School officials say the addition will relieve an overall space crunch, better accommodate the district’s fast-growing early childhood program and improve conditions for arts and physical education.
“The Board is extremely pleased with the progress made on the addition and renovation project,” said Board Member Kenny Krueger. “The project will create space for our fine arts, early childhood, and physical fitness programs to flourish for many years to come.”
The district is now reviewing interior options with the architect, seeking input from teachers on the design of classrooms and other learning spaces. Once the interior design is accepted, the architect and engineering firm will prepare specifications for a bidding process that is expected to begin before winter break in the next school year. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2022, with completion expected before the beginning of school in fall 2023.