New Hinsdale Middle School Completed On Schedule and Under Budget
Hinsdale Middle School students returned from winter break to a newly completed school. © 2018 James Steinkamp Photography
Students, staff and community members celebrated the grand opening of the new, 140,000 sq. ft. Hinsdale Middle School on January 17. Completing the complex project on schedule, students were welcomed back from winter break to begin classes in the state-of-the-art education facility. Working alongside Community Consolidated School District 181 throughout the construction process as a trusted partner and steward, Bulley & Andrews (B&A) was proud to provide not only an exceptional new facility, but a credit back to the school district upon completion.
A team effort from start to finish, B&A worked with architecture firm Cordogan Clark who designed the collaborative and modern space for 21st century learners. At the heart of the school is a three-story sky-lit atrium. Filled with natural light, the atrium connects the school’s main common spaces. Providing a welcoming environment throughout the school, large windows offer generous natural light and collaborative spaces that foster engagement and community.
The new middle school includes six science laboratories. © 2018 James Steinkamp Photography
The school features 28 core classrooms; six science laboratories; 10 resource small classrooms; a 15,000 sq. ft. gymnasium; a cafetorium; full-service production kitchen; large band, orchestra and choral rooms; music ensemble practice rooms; faculty offices; Media Resource Center and Maker Space; fine arts laboratory; ceramics kiln; outdoor classroom with projection surface; and a green roof.
Incorporating the latest in modern learning practices, the new facility was designed to help students prosper and excel. Six new 1,400 sq. ft. science laboratories include wet labs, lecture areas and the latest in technology equipment, including a demonstration table camera that projects experiments for enhanced collaboration.
The new Media Resource Center encourages creativity and teamwork. The center includes a Maker Space where students can work with technology such as a 3-D printer and laser cutter, designated collaboration zones, and a green room for video production.
The new home of the Hinsdale Middle School Spartans can seat 830 spectators. © 2018 James Steinkamp Photography
The school’s new gymnasium is equipped to host athletic events and school assemblies with A/V equipment, bleacher seating for 830 and floor seating for 1,400. The multi-purpose cafetorium seats 300 for lunch but was also designed with acoustics in mind. It can seat 650 people for a performance with its full-size stage and when the partition is drawn, it can double as a choral room.
A lesson on the powers of collaboration and teamwork, the new school provides an exceptional learning environment for future Hinsdale Middle School students to prosper and excel.
