Post by title1parent on May 6, 2008 5:49:22 GMT -5
District 203 presents revised facility plans
In 2 weeks, Mill Street Elementary will be first to enter 'deep design' phase
By Melissa Jenco | Daily Herald Staff
Published: 5/6/2008 12:16 AM
Renovations to Mill Street Elementary are nearing the "deep design" phase, firming up the plans for $7.3 million in improvements.
On Monday, Naperville Unit District 203 gave the school board and residents an update on plans for $114.9 million in facility enhancements around the district.
Voters approved a $43 million tax increase in February to help fund the projects. Since then, administrators have been meeting with architects, school staffs and residents to hash out the details of the projects.
Superintendent Alan Leis said the district has been revising its plans to best meet the needs of the schools while still keeping a close eye on the budget, and he wanted to keep the community informed of the district's progress thus far.
Architectural consultants said Mill Street Elementary will be the first project to go into the more detailed, "deep design" phase in about two weeks for its new gymnasium, improved learning resource center, and additional office and classroom space. Construction is expected to begin in the fall.
"No programs will be conducted in corridors, so that's a radical improvement for Mill Street," said Kevin Havens, director of designs for Wight and Co. architecture firm.
The largest project by far is Naperville Central High School, which will undergo $87.7 million in renovations. Consultants presented a revised floor plan for the school Monday that improves both internal and external traffic flow. It also moves the learning resource center, placing it between the remodeled three-story wing that houses major academic departments and the remainder of the building that includes enhanced spaces for physical education and performing arts.
The pool and auditorium are the only parts of the building untouched by the work, which is expected to start in late spring or early summer of 2009.
The district is also working on several possibilities for configuring its new $11 million early childhood center, which will be built on Huntington Estates property off Naper Boulevard. The building will likely go on the southeast portion of the site to allow for the safest and most efficient traffic flow. Inside, it will be divided into four "neighborhoods" to give children a nurturing environment, according to Havens.
Naperville North, meanwhile, is scheduled for $5.2 million in enhancements to its parking areas, pool and football field. To improve traffic flow, consultants are considering having a separate area for buses on the east side of the building, adding parking to the front of the building and expanding the front drop-off area so that traffic doesn't back up onto Mill Street.
The district's next steps include hiring a construction manager, continuing to refine its designs and confirming budget estimates.
For more information about the district's facility projects, visit www.naperville203.org and click on Building the Future.
In 2 weeks, Mill Street Elementary will be first to enter 'deep design' phase
By Melissa Jenco | Daily Herald Staff
Published: 5/6/2008 12:16 AM
Renovations to Mill Street Elementary are nearing the "deep design" phase, firming up the plans for $7.3 million in improvements.
On Monday, Naperville Unit District 203 gave the school board and residents an update on plans for $114.9 million in facility enhancements around the district.
Voters approved a $43 million tax increase in February to help fund the projects. Since then, administrators have been meeting with architects, school staffs and residents to hash out the details of the projects.
Superintendent Alan Leis said the district has been revising its plans to best meet the needs of the schools while still keeping a close eye on the budget, and he wanted to keep the community informed of the district's progress thus far.
Architectural consultants said Mill Street Elementary will be the first project to go into the more detailed, "deep design" phase in about two weeks for its new gymnasium, improved learning resource center, and additional office and classroom space. Construction is expected to begin in the fall.
"No programs will be conducted in corridors, so that's a radical improvement for Mill Street," said Kevin Havens, director of designs for Wight and Co. architecture firm.
The largest project by far is Naperville Central High School, which will undergo $87.7 million in renovations. Consultants presented a revised floor plan for the school Monday that improves both internal and external traffic flow. It also moves the learning resource center, placing it between the remodeled three-story wing that houses major academic departments and the remainder of the building that includes enhanced spaces for physical education and performing arts.
The pool and auditorium are the only parts of the building untouched by the work, which is expected to start in late spring or early summer of 2009.
The district is also working on several possibilities for configuring its new $11 million early childhood center, which will be built on Huntington Estates property off Naper Boulevard. The building will likely go on the southeast portion of the site to allow for the safest and most efficient traffic flow. Inside, it will be divided into four "neighborhoods" to give children a nurturing environment, according to Havens.
Naperville North, meanwhile, is scheduled for $5.2 million in enhancements to its parking areas, pool and football field. To improve traffic flow, consultants are considering having a separate area for buses on the east side of the building, adding parking to the front of the building and expanding the front drop-off area so that traffic doesn't back up onto Mill Street.
The district's next steps include hiring a construction manager, continuing to refine its designs and confirming budget estimates.
For more information about the district's facility projects, visit www.naperville203.org and click on Building the Future.