9/17/2003
Public Building Commission (PBC) Executive Director Kevin Gujral, Ald. Isaac Carothers (29th), and Chicago Public School officials will join the Austin community for a ceremonial groundbreaking at the site of the new Edward “Duke” Ellington Elementary School, located at 243 N. Parkside Avenue, on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 at 10 am.
“Schools are the lifeblood of the community, and this new Ellington Elementary School will add tremendous value to our neighborhood,” Ald. Carothers says. “I’m very pleased to be breaking ground today on such an important addition to the Austin community.”
The George Sollitt Construction Company is building the new school under an $18.3 million contract with the PBC. Plans for the three-story elementary school building include 38 classrooms; science, art and computer rooms; multi-faceted library; gymnasium; modern cafeteria with prep kitchen; and a performance stage with theatrical lighting and sound equipment.
The 114,000-square-foot facility will be constructed of pre-cast concrete panels, glazed curtain wall, and masonry. Ornamental fencing, landscaping, and a 54-space parking lot are also components of this construction project.
“This new school is another example of the successful partnership between the Public Building Commission and the Chicago Public Schools,” Gujral states. “We will continue to design, build, and open the doors of contemporary educational facilities throughout the city by combining the resources of both agencies with valuable input from the community.”
To view an architectural rendering of the new Edward “Duke” Ellington Elementary School, visit the PBC’s web site at: www.pbcchicago.com.
