Schiller Park School District (SD81) passed a referendum in early 2020 to replace their existing, 50+-year-old elementary school. Bulley & Andrews was selected as the district’s construction partner to deliver the new Washington Elementary School.

The existing school was operating above capacity with enrollment increasing by 33% since 2008. The new building addresses basic infrastructure needs and rising enrollment to become a flexible, 21st-century learning environment that encourages innovation and collaboration.

The new, two-story, 68,000 sq. ft., steel structure with infill masonry exterior walls is comprised of four learning neighborhoods and classroom zones, identifiable by color and unique geometric shapes. The project also includes a media center, featuring a learning stair amphitheater for large group presentations, two reading rooms, a cafeteria and gymnasium. The gymnasium, constructed from CMU, also serves as a storm shelter.

As a part of the scope, B&A installed an underground storm water detention system and completed all the sitework, including a new parking lot, bus lane and playground. The existing Washington Elementary School remained fully operational while B&A constructed the new school directly adjacent to it.

Knight’s MFI System was specified for the rainscreen facade, to support Dri-Design metal panels.