Following a successful year-long master planning process designed to address concerns of aging infrastructure and facility inequities, Lanphier High School was identified as a top priority for revitalization among the district's three high schools.
The re-imagination of Lanphier for its second century required finding the essence of the site and building and creating a new heart of the North Side for current and future generations. To achieve this goal the concept was going to need to accomplish 4 primary objectives:
- Embrace Traditions
- Create a heart
- Repair Connections
- Develop Cohesion
The renovated High School includes phased upgrades and additions to the existing facility to provide a future-focused 1,200 student high school, ensuring equitable opportunities and program support for all secondary students in the district. The facility honors the historical legacy of the building, while supporting the current and future educational needs of students through evidence-based and flexible design.
The upgrades feature prominent improvements to the performing arts spaces with a dedicated auditorium, rehearsal areas, and backstage areas in an addition. Athletics programs were improved with the addition of competition spaces, training/practice facilities, and secure entry locations.
Read more about the transformation of Lanphier High School (page 16) in the Illinois School Board Journal article:
Over time, the campus had become sprawling and inefficient with 14 floor levels, long travel distances, and disconnected spaces. Students navigated a maze. The original architecture and intent was lost over time in additions.
The new design honors the traditions of the campus while addressing the challenges. By reorganizing the building down to six levels and centering academics around a shared core, flow and accessibility was improved. Today, no academic space is more than 300 feet from the building’s center.
- Historic Renovation
- Secure Entry
- New Auditorium
- Competition Spaces
- Athletic Training Facilities
"This dream, which is now a reality, is a testament to the power of our community. The 1% sales tax increase, championed by voters, has paved the way for projects like this to come to life. Lanphier High School's metamorphosis is just the beginning, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for District 186!"
- District Representative
Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School District #307 is embarking on a transformative $70 million facility improvement plan, made possible through a $62 million voter-approved referendum and an $8 million commitment from the District. This ambitious three-year initiative is scheduled for completion by Fall 2028.
At 50 years old, the Eisenhower High School for the Decatur Public School District was physically worn, and functionally ineffective. The school district conducted a community engagement planning process to determine how best to meet the current and future educational aspirations of the community.
Through renovations and an addition to a 1950s-era building on a tight city footprint, an engaging, innovative and inviting high school, focused on providing modern facilities to support digital learning, academic achievement and fine arts and athletic excellence was developed. While the student population was highly achieving, the existing school did not reflect the student merit.