Shakespeare School
IllinoisThe Shakespeare School is a Romanesque style Chicago public school building, which stood vacant since 1996. Following years of dilapidation and general disregard, the 1892 historic building was renovated to accommodate two small, innovative public schools. This comprehensive renovation has prompted a remarkable turnaround for the community of North Kenwood.
In the early 1980`s, the North Kenwood community was challenged by an extensive state of decline, which halted new market rate housing construction. As a result, historic buildings were razed in order to make way for high-rise public housing projects. In the late 1980`s, the public housing facilities began deteriorating, which further increased crime in the community. The significant decline in local population forced The Shakespeare School to close in 1996. The Shakespeare School was slated for demolition by the Board of Education in the late1990`s, who also discussed building a new, up-to-code school in its place.
In the late 1990`s, North Kenwood, along with a neighboring community, were deemed a Conservation Community area by the City of Chicago. This designation guaranteed protection for remaining historic buildings. Local educators and neighborhood citizens proposed that the vacant school reopen to house two small, public schools (the Ariel Community Academy and the North Kenwood Charter School). This mission was spearheaded by Fourth Ward Alderman Toni Preckwinkle, the University of Chicago, Ariel Capital Management and local real estate developers.
The newly renovated state-of-the-art schoolhouse now anchors the once impoverished community. During the extensive reinvestment period, colorful banners stating "The Neighborhood Rising" were placed throughout the neighborhood, instilling a renewed sense of pride in the community. The prominence of the school`s renovation has triggered community reinvestment. Victorian style homes were renovated and a derelict liquor store was converted into an arts education center. Following the renovation, new homes valued at market rate were constructed adjacent to The Shakespeare School. The renovation initiative has also enhanced business activity.
Description of Project
Project
The Shakespeare School (The North Kenwood/Oakland Charter School)
Architect: The school was designed by Flanders and Zimmerman.
Date of construction: 1892
Date of previous renovation: An addition was added to the Shakespeare School in 1924 and 1953.
Use
(The school is for pre-kindergarten through third grade and fifth through seventh grade. The fourth through eight grade level will eventually be added).
Student/teacher ratio: 23:1 (North Kenwood has 234 students)
Alternative uses: The school serves as a community center, which offers social service programs.
Location
Historic district: The school is located in the historic district of North Kenwood, an affluent neighborhood.
Bussing vs. walking: A majority of students at the Shakespeare School are able to walk rather than rely on parents or public transportation. Charter schools do not provide bus transportation for students.
Cost
Total renovation cost: $18 million
Source of funding
State: The Board of Education spent $18 million on the renovation project.
Private: No
Tax credits: No
Cost estimates for new school construction: A new school in Chicago costs approximately $20 million.
Problems and/or Threats
Close the school building: The Shakespeare School was closed in 1996.
Raze existing building in order to build a new facility: The Shakespeare School was slated for demolition by the Board of Education in the late 1990s. The Board of Education discussed building a new, up-to-code school in its place.
Policies promoting the construction of school sprawl in outlying areas:
Inflated school renovation cost estimates: High prospective renovation costs were a concern for the School Board.
Poor or bad renovation job: Information not available
Resolution
Strategies or state/local polices utilized to achieve success story: In the late 1980s, North Kenwood, along with a neighboring community, were deemed a Conservation Community area by the City of Chicago. This designation guaranteed protection for remaining historic buildings. Local educators and neighborhood citizens proposed that the vacant school reopen to house two small, public schools (the Ariel Community Academy and the North Kenwood Charter School). This mission was spearheaded by Fourth Ward Alderman Toni Preckwinkle, the University of Chicago, Ariel Capital Management and local real estate developers.
Renovation Success
Undertakings
Classroom size and circulation: Classrooms were reconfigured to serve the current needs of students and teachers.
State-of-the-art facility: Yes
Computer technology: To accommodate 21st century technology, the classrooms were equipped with fiber optic lines.
Meets education programmatic needs: Yes
Building codes: Up-to-code
Life safety codes
Asbestos: Asbestos was contained and removed.
Fire safety: Up-to-code
Air quality: Up-to-code
Handicapped accessibility: Two elevators and several ramps were added to The Shakespeare School.
Playing fields: The students use a park located across the street from the school.
Awards Granted
Achievements/Recognition: Information not available
Description of Outcome
Community Response
Neighborhood stability: The newly renovated schoolhouse anchors the community.
Community reinvestment: Following the renovation, nearby Victorian style homes were renovated and a derelict liquor store was converted into an arts education center.
Economic growth: New homes valued at market rate were constructed adjacent to The Shakespeare School. The renovation initiative has also enhanced business activity.
Quotes
"This investment in the future of North Kenwood as a family oriented community with an architectural heritage worth preserving sent out powerful signals. New homes were built on vacant land facing the school."
-Kirby Callam, Director of Instructors, North Kenwood/ Oakland Charter School
"North Kenwood/Oakland`s creation and the renovation of Shakespeare have helped to spur a remarkable turnaround in the community just north of Hyde Park, as evident by newly renovated older housing stock, construction of new middle-income housing, and a rejuvenation of business activity in the neighborhood."
-University of Chicago Social Science News
For more information contact:
School Administrators
Mr. Kirby Callam
North Kenwood/ Oakland Charter School
Director of Instructors
1119 East 46th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60653
773.536.2399 (x2101)
773.536.2435 (fax)
kirby@charter.uchicago.edu
www.charter.uchicago.edu
Dr. Marvin Hoffman
North Kenwood Charter School
Director
1119 East 46th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60653
773.536.2399 (x2003)
hoff@consortiumchicago.com
charter@uchicago.edu
Public Official
Alderman Toni Preckwinkle (Mrs.)
City of Chicago Fourth Ward
Alderman
4646 South Drexel
Chicago, Illinois 60653
773.536.8103
773.536.7296 (fax)
Submitted by Lynn at: October 29, 2009
1958-1964. Lived at 4548 S. Woodlawn. I remember Peanut. My parents and Peanut would talk for hours. My kindergarten teacher was Ms. Woods, I remember Mr. Finch the Truant Officer my mother kept tabs with him, (checking on me), Mr. Thompson, Ms. Abel. I'm trying to find out where if anyplace we can find archived pictures from Shakespeare. Mine were lost in a house fire. Wanda Pack
Submitted by Shirley at: March 12, 2009
So glad this building was saved. I was a student from around 1953 to 1957. I still have my 1957 report card signed by Barbara Jean Pulliam. My 2nd grade teacher was Miss McNerney. Remember Peanut, the school crossing guard? Hazel Archer. One of her grandchildren and I became roommates for a time. I saw my 1st sock hop peeping thru the basement windows, listening to Love is Strange by Ike and Tina Turner. I hope they kept the sliding coatrooms with the chalkboard on one side. My dog Rex used to walk us to school and actually came in the classroom one day. Let me stop. I think I'm crying happy tears.
Submitted by susan at: January 30, 2009
I was a pupil at Shakespeare from 1946 to 1952. i remember every detail of the physical building and teachers as well.I lived at 49th and Ellis and had a happy childhood there. I would not trade my memories of Shakespeare for anything and would love to be in contact with "betty" who also had the same experience. Is this possible? It is so satisfying to me that the school and the community is being cherished and enriched by its residents.
Submitted by betty at: January 26, 2009
I was a pupil at Shakespeare Elementary School from 1943 to 1951. I was born and lived in the Kenwood neighborhood (4500 S. Oakenwald) until I was 14. I recently came across my 8th grade graduation class picture. There were 75 pupils. It was a wonderful school with great teachers. I'm so glad it wasn't torn down and is being used for other young people.