Elmwood Park CUSD 401 Elm Middle School

Since 2013, ICI has partnered with Elmwood Park CUSD 401 as the District’s construction manager. During that time, ICI has completed award-winning expansions, renovations and life safety upgrades for the District. In a recent capital improvement project undertaken by the District, ICI completed a major expansion, renovation and site improvements to Elm Middle School as it transitioned to a true middle school; accommodating grades 6-8. The expansion / renovation also adds critically needed occupational therapy / physical therapy rooms for the school’s special education program. The majority of the renovation work took place while students and faculty were on break during the summer of 2020. The new construction component took place during the school year.

The renovation work allows for a reorganization and a refresh of the existing building. Walls were demolished; restrooms were gutted; new technology was implemented; and the ceiling tiles, lights and doors were replaced. A fresh coat of paint was then applied throughout. The school’s basement now features two art rooms with storage, a large flex space for professional development and small group work, a teachers’ lounge and office/storage space. The first floor features a social worker office, conference room, special education space, a concession stand, and a technology hub. The second floor houses an open concept library, two classrooms and an area for students with special needs.

The expansion component includes two areas of new construction that house 10 new classrooms and a second gym to educate the influx of new students (approximately 700). On the east side of the school, a two-story addition housing 10 classrooms (five of which are dedicated to science) were built. A second gym was constructed on the south side of the existing gym.

The site improvement consisted of new street paving, curbs, gutters, stormwater drainage, sidewalk and turf, as well as 30 diagonal parking spaces.

Photos provided courtesy of DLA Architects, Ltd.