HILLCREST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – COMMUNITY CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT 34

District 34 found their population was growing and curriculum changing.  A study, under the leadership of the superintendent and school board, concluded that the district needed additional facilities with an emphasis on early education.

Hillcrest sits on a beautiful but challenging site of changing elevation, wooded areas, and  wetlands.  The  design accommodates the building,   circulation, playing fields, and access while being sensitive to the surroundings.

The design of the school reflects a residential scale in order to make the large building more accessible to the grade-level students it will serve.  The plan is divided into four “houses” or groups of classrooms, an administrative and library area, and a Multi-Purpose Room.

Exterior materials for the building were chosen to be economical, durable, and to reflect the natural materials of the wooded site

Project Data
Type of Facility:    Elementary
Grades:    PreK-1
Area:   58,675 SF

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GOWER MIDDLE & WEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 62

Located in suburban DuPage County, Illinois, the Gower School District has long enjoyed stable enrollment and academic success.  Taking positive steps to improve its curriculum and continue as a 21st Century learning center, Gower School District 62 embarked on a renovation and expansion program for their two schools.

Their middle school’s exploratory programs of Industrial Tech, Art, and Consumer Science, along with three Science labs, were enlarged and updated. An auxiliary gym and fitness room were added on the building’s east side by the existing gym and locker rooms. Life safety improvements were made throughout the school.

Gower West, the District’s elementary school, received health life safety improvements.  To better support the District’s academic mission, three of its existing classrooms were renovated and repurposed as two Early Childhood Center classrooms.

Project Data
Facilities:    Middle School and Elementary School
Grades Served:    PreK-8
Area of Addition:    17,960 sf
Area of Renovation:    23,200 sf