Evergreen Academy
IllinoisBuilt in the late 19th century, Evergreen Academy is an imposing 4 stories of red brick supported on a limestone base. It is richly detailed with sandstone banding and accent trim pieces in both rusticated and smooth finishes. Terracotta eyebrows positioned beneath a substantial copper cornice set off round top windows on the upper floor. The building`s mass is symmetrically expressed about a central element flanked by 2 wings. On the front (west) façade, the central element extends above and beyond the planes of the wings, giving prominence to the entry. Enrollment is currently at 450 K-8 students.
The renovation of Evergreen Academy, a project consisting of both interior and exterior work, began in the fall of 1999. The building, in a severe state of deterioration and containing high levels of hazardous materials, was being considered for demolition. However, in deference to its historical significance, Chicago Public Schools chose to take measures to restore and save the school. The extensive scope of work occurred in 2 phases. Phase one involved gutting the interior in its entirety, followed by renovation, and was expedited to allow the children to return to their classrooms as quickly as possible. Phase two consists of restoring the exterior masonry envelope, beautifying the grounds, and is being completed while school is in session.
The building envelope suffered extreme deterioration over the years. Sandstone, used as trim elements on the school, is a material characterized by its relatively soft texture. Over the years weather took it`s toll on the stone, as evidenced through severe surface spalling and cracking. Areas of the walls that had once held limestone trim pieces were bricked in as the stones failed, and the integrity of the envelope was compromised through deteriorating grout joints. The restoration of the sandstone was initiated by using a process called consolidation to strengthen it. Patching and repairing the sandstone followed in an attempt to recapture its original appearance. Brickwork was tuckpointed, missing limestone trim pieces were fabricated to match the detail of the existing trim and replaced, and the entire building envelope was cleaned.
The exterior work also included improvements to the site. New trees, shrubs, sod and fencing provide a pleasant green space around the school. Approaches and entries were made accessible. New windows with guards and transomed storefronts were installed.
Abatement of asbestos and lead throughout the entire building preceded the interior renovation. As part of the abatement process, the building was completely gutted of its interior elements and systems. Flooring components were removed down to the sub-structure, and the plaster walls and gypsum wallboard ceilings were stripped to their substrates. Upon removal of all hazardous materials, restoration of the interior elements began. A challenge existed in seamlessly knitting the past with the future; achieving the goal of authentically recapturing the visible historic feel of the spaces while incorporating state-of-the-art technologies invisibly into their design. That goal was achieved by meticulously detailing classic moldings, paneled doors and built-in cabinetry while beneath the surfaces of the walls and hardwood floors miles of network and security system cabling were installed. Two first floor classrooms were converted to a library and another was converted to a computer lab. A second floor classroom was converted to a fully equipped science classroom. Accessibility upgrades include a new 4-story elevator, toilet rooms, and interior signage.
Today Evergreen Academy stands as a successful testimony to what can be achieved through cooperative partnership efforts to preserve essential community institutions.
For more information contact:
Christopher Bushell
Chicago Public Schools
Department of Operations, 17th Floor
125 South Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60603
773/553-3227
bushellc@cpscpo.com
