Shakespeare School
This success story was developed with a generous grant from the National Park Service`s National Center for Preservation Technology and Training. | April 30, 2002The 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
