The Noble network of charter schools decided to use strategic architectural interventions to improve the student experience at Johnson College Prep, an Englewood school of over 700 students.

OKW and UJAMAA set out to rework the entrance so it could function as a beacon. We replaced its beige walls with large windows and used a steel canopy to create a more dramatic and welcoming expression. We added benches and lighting outside for working, waiting for a ride, or spending time with friends. We installed large-scale lettering and fiber cement panels in the school’s colors to instill true pride of place for its students and faculty. Lastly, we reimagined underused spaces inside as student lounges filled with natural light and school colors.

Johnson College Prep now has a greater sense of place and safety – a beacon that draws the community together and creates a well-designed place that reflects the personality of its students and administration. 

UJAMAA takes pride in its commitment to ensuring the highest quality of construction throughout every phase of the Johnson College Prep Entry Renovation project. From project initiation, we rigorously vetted subcontractors, not only selecting some of the best in the city but at the same time exceeding the MBE/WBE requirements. We verified the qualifications and experience of their specialized teams before awarding contracts. 

We conducted multiple visits to manufacturing facilities to personally oversee the fabrication of millwork, solid surface, and fiber cement panels, ensuring alignment with our expectations.

Our team held multiple meetings to review details, create precise plans, and develop detailed schedules that enabled various contractors to collaborate seamlessly, meeting tight deadlines while maintaining exceptional quality.

Throughout the project, UJAMAA maintained open communication with Noble Charter School management and OKW Architects, conducting routine site walkthroughs. The Noble and OKW team were actively involved in construction reviews, scrutinizing multiple mockups before the installation of major project components. There were multiple instances and iterations where the color concrete by CSI3000 were reviewed to ensure that the color palate of the exterior was maintained. NawKaw conducted brick staining mockups, considering different light studies to achieve a near-identical match to the architectural paneling façade. These are just 2 examples of many in which helped guide the standard metric of quality and dedication.  

UJAMAA’s weekly meetings with on-site foremen and superintendents ensured prompt resolution of any issues, fostering clear communication and collaboration where trades would overlap. We conducted regular site walks and inspections to uphold the utmost quality, promptly addressing any identified issues all while keeping safety as our highest priority.

The adherence to these stringent quality metrics is a testament to our dedicated team, without everyone involved these standards would not have been achievable.

From the beginning, the goal of the school renovation was to create a beacon out of the uninspiring façade. Principal Jonas Cleaves, who is in his fifth year in the role, said that he was depressed when he first walked in. “It was dark on every floor. When it was designed, it’s like no one was concerned about the impact on the sun on how it makes you feel. Today, the renovation has made a huge difference.”

Sheina La Cour, the organization’s project manager for the renovation and a Noble alumna, adds that the activity in the school has changed since the renovation. “Kids and teachers are both working in these new community spaces. It has given them a sense of ownership of the building. It has given life to the Johnson community and its students.”

The large windows on the east wall have allowed this community and connection. What was once underused administrative space has been converted into two spacious student lounges with expansive views of Stewart Avenue, bench seating, tables, a screen for school announcements, and bar-height seating along the windows. 

The luminous impact is not just on the inside of the school. Thanks to a design that allowed for outdoor statement lighting along the columns and steel canopy, the school entrance itself glows at night. “We have a retirement village across the street,” Cleaves says. “Now they see staff and kids. The space is active now.” 

This outdoor space has also changed the way that students and the community interact with the school. Principal Cleaves likens it to the school’s front porch. “Kids hang out there to wait for rides. It’s a cool place to be, especially when the flowers are blooming.” Parents are equally excited about the change. “Some of our alumns were jealous, others were excited to see this refreshed space. But our parents love it. They were blown away, especially in the evening.”

The reason for this is that the well-lit entry has helped the surrounding area. “It’s East Englewood,” Cleaves points out. “It’s relatively safe, but it doesn’t feel that way. This project has literally lit up the corner of 63rd and Stewart. The natural light is important for the students and staff, but we’re committed to being in this community and want to give back. The light, energy, and safety that exudes from the building does that. It’s happening now.”

Inclusion Initiatives

We embrace a culture of diversity that is encapsulated in our philosophy known as “The UJAMAA Way.” This ethos, which seeks to combat racism through construction, was instrumental in shaping the Johnson College Prep project. While the project did not stipulate specific compliance goals, we ensured our team was representative of the diverse society we live in, with 30% Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) participation and 10% Women Business Enterprises (WBE) participation.

Significantly, our construction management team consisted entirely of minority members, including a female superintendent. This level of representation is a rarity in our industry and underscores our commitment to challenging the status quo and fostering inclusivity.

The impact of this approach on the local community has been profound. The high levels of MBE and WBE participation have instilled a sense of pride and ownership within the community. By witnessing a team that reflects their own diversity, community members could see themselves represented in the project, fostering a sense of connection and belonging.

UJAMAA’s commitment to safety and our .72 EMR safety record testify to our unwavering dedication to maintaining a secure environment in all our projects.

From the onset, we implemented robust safety measures to ensure the wellbeing of our team and the community. Hallway protection was a priority, with 6 mil plastic installed to contain dust within the working area, preventing air contamination.

Roof penetrations were meticulously covered to ensure watertight conditions during the installation of Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Sprinkler systems (MEPS), safeguarding the structural integrity of the building against any potential water damage.

To further mitigate dust levels, we utilized Hepa machines, which effectively reduce airborne particles, contributing to a healthier work environment. At the end of each day, our teams diligently swept and mopped floors, eliminating any residual debris that could pose a risk.

Post-demolition, we secured all exterior openings with plywood, providing a crucial barrier against potential external hazards. Temporary fencing was installed, sidewalks were closed, flaggers were deployed, and caution tape was used extensively to delineate safe zones, ensuring both on-site and public safety.

Our adherence to safety regulations was evident in the display of OSHA posters, highlighting key safety guidelines and procedures. Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) was routinely conducted to assess potential risks, with safety data sheets readily available for reference.

To keep track of safety performance, daily reports were meticulously prepared, capturing essential safety metrics. Regular orientation sessions were held to keep our team informed about safety protocols, and signage such as “Do Not Enter” and “Danger” signs were strategically placed to warn against potential risks.

Our holistic approach to safety, as demonstrated in the Johnson College Prep project, is a testament to our commitment to creating safe and secure construction environments. 

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

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 a gymnasium. The gymnasium, constructed from CMU, also serves as a storm shelter.

As a part of the scope, B&A installed an underground stormwater detention system and completed all the sitework, including a new parking lot, bus lane and a playground. 

The existing Washington Elementary School remained fully operational while B&A constructed the new school directly adjacent to it. 

The commitment to ensuring the highest quality of construction in this project is evident in the meticulous process and advanced methods employed. Notably, the construction team implemented mockups for the enclosure, allowing for a detailed examination and refinement of the design before full-scale implementation. This proactive approach ensured that the final result met the highest standards of quality and functionality.

Situated merely a mile from O’Hare, the construction considered the impact of ambient noise, prompting the installation of acoustically rated windows and a specialized roof structure. These features not only enhance the learning environment within the school but also showcase a dedication to creating spaces that prioritize student well-being.

The adaptability of the construction process became apparent during unforeseen challenges, such as the Texas Big Freeze in winter 2021. The deep freeze impacted the glazed brick manufacturing plant which was a critical element of the building’s exterior façade. In response, the project team demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness by sourcing new glazed brick and transitioning to glazed tile, maintaining the project’s integrity and quality despite external factors. The ability to navigate unexpected hurdles exemplifies a commitment to delivering a construction project of the utmost quality, resilient against external challenges, and tailored to the specific needs of the environment and community it serves.

Schiller Park School District 81 passed a referendum in early 2020 to replace the 50+-year-old Washington Elementary School. The existing school, which serves fourth and fifth graders, was operating above capacity as enrollment had increased by 33% since 2008. The new building was designed to address basic infrastructure needs and rising enrollment. It also showcases new ideas in 21st-century learning environments that encourage innovation and collaboration and prioritize mental and physical health. 

The school is comprised of four zones referred to as Learning Neighborhoods. Each Learning Neighborhood is comprised of a central, flexible hub surrounded by four Learning Studios/Home Rooms. The Learning Neighborhoods are identifiable by their color and unique geometric shapes. 

Home Rooms support mental/emotional health, providing students and educators a comfortable, relaxing respite from the larger hubs. The Breakout Space is a shared learning environment that encourages exploration, collaboration and movement. Hubs provide ample room for team teaching and STEM/group projects, with water, power and plenty of storage space for supplies. Additionally, critical thinking and reasoning are vital skills to the District, reading rooms are adjacent to the media center and feature abundant natural light, views of the outdoors and access to an outdoor classroom. 

Schiller Park School District 81’s initiative to replace the aging Washington Elementary School, coupled with the innovative design of the new building, exemplifies a commitment to meeting both infrastructure needs and the evolving demands of 21st-century education. With its focus on fostering collaboration, innovation, and mental and physical well-being, the new school sets a standard for modern learning environments. Through thoughtful design elements such as Learning Neighborhoods and specialized spaces, the school promotes a holistic approach to education that prioritizes student growth and success.

Throughout the two-year project, which involved 68,291 tradesmen hours, only one minor injury occurred, showcasing a commendable safety record with no lost work days. Over 70 safety inspections were conducted, achieving an average compliance rate of 92.2%. Despite the presence of six cranes and adherence to FAA regulations due to proximity to O’Hare, there were no issues. Additionally, B&A Safety implemented a mandatory site-specific safety orientation for all onsite workers, ensuring comprehensive safety measures were followed.

Built on the former site of the Chicago Housing Authority’s LeClaire Homes, The Academy for Global Citizenship (AGC), a pre-K to 8 charter school, anchors Cultivate Collective’s 6-acre campus. This innovative facility includes a Head Start center, outpatient health center, three-acre urban farm, on-site market, community hall, and teaching kitchens for nutrition education. The 71,000sf learning laboratory pioneers as the Midwest’s inaugural Living Building Challenge and PHIUS certified school, promoting net-positive energy use and sustainability. Beyond AGC’s mission, the school hub extends amenities to the community and planned mixed-income housing and retail development. The planning process involved a robust community engagement, resulting in a Community Benefits Agreement and MOU with CHA and the Hearst Community Organization.

Fundamental to this project’s founding vision is the tenet that the Cultivate Collective Campus, anchored by the Academy for Global Citizenship building, will serve as a learning laboratory and demonstration site for showcasing the AGC education model rooted in civic participation and environmental stewardship. As an integrated and proactive demonstration site, AGC uses this facility (constructed as the first Living Building Challenge and PHIUS-certified building in the Midwest) as an active curricular tool.  As such, ensuring the highest level of construction quality and systems legibility was paramount to success.

Realization of this vision required a multi-faceted design, implementation, commissioning and compliance strategy.  

The design quality and material specification, required intense investment by the A/E team who led the Integrated Design Process (IDP), codified the lofty goals of the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR), and who participated in numerous “page-turns” by discipline with the General Contractor prior to finalization of the Contract Documents.  Further, the entire development team embraced the Living Building Challenge (LBC) requirements for a non-toxic material vetting process and high-performance enclosure review.  Using the campus as a curricular tool led the team to design a facility in which all systems were legible and placed in plain sight. Early and frequent discourse by the entire development team led to a procurement process that ensured appropriate material implementation, while also maintaining the competitive advantage required in publicly funded projects.

Upon completion of the design and procurement activities, rigorous implementation and commissioning efforts were required to ensure that the design intent came to reality.  The submittal review process was intensive to ensure quality material installation.  The super insulated building and envelope considerations, including air intrusion and barrier parameters, were rigorously tested through a “blower door test” protocol. Most critically, the building commissioning process for high performance buildings seeking LBC certification is extensive and includes third party Fundamental and Enhanced+ Commissioning (CxA), Monitoring Based Building Performance Commissioning (MBCxA) and Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECxA).  In order to achieve LBC and the highest level of quality control, these commissioning efforts far exceed the traditional design and construction standard of care during construction administration and far exceed the commissioning required by LEED and other sustainability metrics.

Compliance efforts required intensive commissioning, but also required exhaustive vetting of non-toxic materials through submittal and shop reviews. In order to prove up that the low-energy building could be serviced with limited on-site generation, the building envelope needed to be robust, the mechanical systems need to be highly efficient, and the entire system needs to be metered and tracked through a robust building automation system.  To facilitate this robust compliance monitoring, the building has 39 submeters and an enhanced building automation system.  High performance buildings must be both monitored and adjusted to achieve optimal performance.  AGC hired professional building engineers to facilitate long term monitoring and the required adjustments to achieve optimization, necessitated by a high performance building of this caliber.

The result of deep collaboration with community leaders, neighborhood residents, and local constituents, the Academy for Global Citizenship at the Cultivate Collective Campus brings to fruition a bold vision of environmental and economic sustainability. Designed to achieve full Living Building Challenge certification, the inclusion initiative goals for the project were exceeded during project implementation in both professional services and direct costs. Inclusionary project development goals include business participation by minority- and women-owned businesses and Section 3 businesses as well as workforce participation goals associated with apprentices and Section 3 employees. 

The six-acre site was purchased from the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) and comprises a portion of the former LeClaire Courts housing, razed by the CHA in 2010. As such, AGC leadership and the project development team prioritized neighborhood engagement and hiring efforts, hosting community meetings and job fairs and participating in over 200 community engagement efforts. Early engagement efforts culminated in memoranda of understanding between the project and the LeClaire Courts Advisory Council, Hearst Park Community Organization, Hire360, and the Greater Southwest Development Corporation. 

These MOUs served as the guideposts for all goal setting and project procurement efforts.  The implementation phase exceeded both business participation and workforce participation goals as exhibited by the following project development partners.

Zoning counsel services were provided by Neal & Leroy, a minority-owned business. Development advisory and owner’s representation services were provided by Urban Resolve, a women owned business.

Design services were led by design architect and architect of record SMNGA and associate architect Farr, supported by significant M/WBE participation, and exceeding project goals.  Consulting was provided by DBHMS, an MBE firm, for mechanical, electrical, fire protection, plumbing, security, low voltage and controls, notably including design of the net-zero system, inclusive of radiant flooring, geothermal and solar services as well as a cistern for stormwater reuse. Structural design was provided by Stearn Joglekar, and MBE firm. Landscape design was provided by Site Design Group, an MBE firm, including the master planning for the six-acre site and the detailed visions for the early childhood play area and future nature-based play engagement. Urban farming consultation was provided by the Urban Grower’s Collective, female- and minority-led by Erika Allen, noted urban agriculture expert and advocate, and participant winner of the Chicago Prize. Health care consultation was provided by clinic operator Esperanza Health Centers. Esperanza has provided bilingual, high quality primary care, behavioral health and wellness services to the community, regardless of immigration status, insurance status, or ability to pay.

Construction was led by a venture of Power and Sergeant Construction (Section 3, Veteran-Owned and Minority-Owned Business). Inclusionary goals of participation by diverse businesses of 26/6 for minority and women owned businesses was exceeded as well as Section 3 business. Further, inclusionary goals for workforce participation by Section 3 employees and apprentices were also exceeded. The team was assisted by the tremendous support of Hire360 and the Chicago Housing Authority Workforce Development division.

From a workforce perspective, over 20 Section 3 employees were engaged during the construction of the project and the workforce represented well over the 10% required apprentice participation.

The development team responsible for the Academy of Global Citizenship at the Cultivate Collective Campus set a robust culture of safety through both planning and implementation practices. At all times during construction, the venture of Power and Sergeant Construction kept a minimum of five staff on-site to ensure strong leadership and safety record. General Contractor staff included two project managers and three superintendents.

Throughout the 16-month construction period, Power/Sergeant required each sub-contractor to follow safety protocols as follows:

•Safety orientation completed by all tradespeople

•Daily safety huddles

•Pre-construction risk analysis

•On-site training & education

•Site safety manager

•Observations & data capture

In total, over 500 tradespeople went through the project-specific safety orientation. Further, over the life of the project, a daily safety observation walk was conducted by an on-site Power employee while construction activities were taking place, reflecting more than 325 workday safety huddles.

The tool most commonly used in the construction industry to measure safety performance is the Experience Modification Rate (EMR). EMR is a numerical reflection of compensation insurance claims and safety performance. The lower the number, the better the record. The construction industry standard EMR is 1.0. Power Construction’s EMR rating is 0.67 and Sergeant Construction’s EMR is 0.95, both below industry standard. Further, Power maintains Star Status in the OSHA Voluntary Protection Program.  There are only 22 star status member GCs in the country and Power is the only GC in Illinois.

Niles Township High School District 219 embarked on an endeavor to address school safety concerns while also enhancing the visitor experience. During the planning phase, the District and design team identified opportunities to tackle existing challenges of overcrowding and lack of collaborative spaces. These planning sessions developed into a three-story, 43,000 square-foot addition and 16,000 square-foot renovation project that included a secure vestibule, new spaces for parent and visitor services, collaborative learning studios, classrooms, mothers’ and wellness lounges, student commons, and meeting spaces.

The addition created a new tertiary security zone for spaces used by outside visitors. This compartmentalization allows guests to have access to this security zone while separating them from the secure student side of the building. Visitor entrances are separated from student and staff entrances to facilitate proper screening procedures through a secure vestibule.

F.H. Paschen used our established, three-phase quality control program that is modeled after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers program and includes preparatory, initial, and follow-up inspections for each definable feature of work. F.H. Paschen encouraged full transparency and collaboration with all stakeholders and held numerous prefabrication and pre-pour meetings with the subcontractors and Owner’s representatives to discuss and confirm procedures, schedule, impacts on the community, and construction of mockups to ensure that all parties agreed on the products prior to fabrication and installation.

Quality of Design: 

The building exterior creates a recognizable main building entrance which previously was recessed and hard to find for new visitors. The design is symbiotic to the existing building, utilizing the same brick blend and re-imagining existing geometries with new materials. Color-shifting metal panels allow for the addition’s exterior to be experienced in dynamic ways that change depending on lighting, view angles, and weather.

A portion of the first floor addition also serves as the students’ main entry and informal gathering spaces, as well as the auditorium pre-function space. While this space was an internal infill surrounded by walls on most of the perimeter, design elements create a welcoming and restorative space. A double-story volume allows natural daylighting to enter from above the adjoining roof level. Biophilic design elements are present throughout this space, inspired by the earth, water, and sun. A preserved moss wall surrounding a multi-panel video board serves as the focal point of the space. An integrated audio system allows students to be greeted with music or natural soundscapes.

The third floor features agile learning studios of various sizes that can be reserved by individual or group classes, student activity clubs, or community organizations. Operable glass partitions allow for gatherings of varying sizes, with easily movable furniture to support different groups. Writable wallcoverings, in addition to interactive flat panels, promote idea cultivation and sharing. Biophilic elements are also incorporated like the first floor.

An important aspect of this project was creating more energy-efficient building operations. Since a majority of the year-round staff are housed in offices in the new addition, the District wanted to design mechanical and plumbing systems that can be isolated in their operation from the remainder of the building. These systems allow the facility to operate and service fewer areas during the summer months and evenings when most of the building is unoccupied. An abundance of natural light and efficient lighting controls encourage the reduction of artificial lighting during normal school hours. Selected finishes include flooring that has lower overall embodied carbon (EC3) properties, including carpet that is carbon neutral.

As a General Contractor with a large presence in the suburban School Districts, F.H. Paschen has made it a point to get involved with the communities in which we complete work. With a long-standing presence at Niles North High School, Niles Township High School District 219 allowed the Project Team to give a tour of the construction site to the engineering students. F.H. Paschen’s superintendents walked the future engineers through the jobsite, provided blueprints like the ones studied in class, and answered logistical questions asked by faculty and students. This unique opportunity allowed the students to follow the project from the ground up. 

Because of our established occupancy with the District and the community, F.H. Paschen launched a Scholarship Program for students going into the trades after graduating high school. Through various fundraising events at the office and the help of employee donations, we were able to award two students $1000 scholarships. The students were able to put the awarded money towards anything needed for their new career, including books, equipment, tuition, transportation, etc.

As part of the District’s vision to continue growing community partnerships, social spaces used by students during the day also serve the public after-hours. The student entry area transforms into the auditorium pre-function event space, and the learning studio/Skyloft commons spaces can host adult education, student club sessions, and evening meetings for community organizations. 

Prior to the addition and renovation of Niles North, students were limited to classrooms and hallways. This project created collaborative spaces, wellness lounges, and studios to support students. The addition included restorative practice rooms for meditation and teaching students about empathy, resolving conflicts, repairing relationships, and promoting community. The first floor also features a mural created by students and staff.

F.H. Paschen’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in the communities we build is one of our core values. M/W/DBE subcontractors comprised approximately 8% of the contract value. Spray Insulations, Inc. and Block Electric Company Inc. are within local boundaries of Niles Township High School District 219.

This project had an excellent safety record with over 40,000 trade hours worked and zero lost time and OSHA recordable incidents. To achieve these numbers, F.H. Paschen implemented a robust training program, requiring all supervisors to be 30-hour OSHA certified, first aid certified, and AED trained. We require mandatory Job Hazard Analysis on all self-performed work and implemented a Construction Safety Phasing Plan. Safety stand down meetings were held throughout the project on a variety of topics to reinforce the safety-first mentality.