Illinois’ Elmhurst Lincoln Elementary School is set to be torn down this summer and replaced.
The school was originally built in 1916 and is set to be demolished in June, according to Patch News. The project will take a little more than a month, reported officials, with construction of a new school slated to last until fall 2022. The school has more than 500 students and 60 employees.
According to officials, the school is the only one in Elmhurst School District 205 completely surrounded by houses, reported Patch News. The new building will have approximately the same amount of space as the current one.
The city's Zoning and Planning Commission heard the plan for the new school.
The project is being funded with money from the $168 million bond issue approved by voters in November 2018, according to Patch News.
According to Leanne Meyer-Smith, an architect with Wight & Co., described the school's proposed layout as having "neighborhoods" for each grade level. There will be a collaborative living room and outdoor collaborative area space that is fenced-in as well.
Commission member Jordan Uditsky raised the issue of storm water that is prevalent.
According to David Evans, an engineer with Wight & Co., the school would include a concrete vault under the parking lot for storm water detention, as well as other water storage features. The storage is expected to be nearly equivalent to an Olympic-sized pool, reported Patch News.
The commission unanimously approved the project.
"It's exciting to see a new modern school being developed," said the commission's chairwoman Susan Rose. "It's great for our community. One of the things that attracts people to our community is the schools."
The proposal next goes to the City Council's Development, Planning and Zoning Committee and then to the full council.
