Elmhurst CUSD 205 Lincoln Elementary School

ICI began our partnership with Elmhurst CUSD 205 in 2017, one year prior to the District passing a multi-year master facility plan referendum. Following an extensive district-wide preconstruction effort for the $168.5 million referendum, ICI presented CUSD 205 with various renovation, expansion, and new construction options for all schools within the District. Lincoln Elementary School was among those evaluated and the District opted to replace the existing 100+ year old school.

ICI served as construction manager for the 79,380 square foot, two-level 21st century learning environment. Demolition of the existing school took place in June 2021. The new school was then built on the same site and opened in time for the 2022/23 school year. Students were temporarily displaced to other schools within the District during construction. ICI overcame several logistical challenges throughout the course of construction: the site was positioned within the heart of the community and is surrounded on all four sides with two-lane streets and residential homes.

The new school incorporates the latest in education design: a large gathering / presentation stair element, individual break-out rooms, outdoor instruction and play environments, and secured main entrances with a dedicated administration wing, to name a few.

The building is organized into three distinct sections. The media center and dining commons will occupy the heart of the school and serve as the connective backbone between all program spaces. An ample amount of daylight penetrates these areas. Enrichment studios for the sciences and arts are positioned adjacent to these larger areas to share common resources. Grade level “neighborhoods” are placed on two floors and are configured to create their own identity within the context of the facility. Additionally, the building received LEED Silver Certification designated by the U.S. Green Building Council. A number of sustainable initiatives are incorporated into the building: green roof area, permeable paver systems and low-emitting construction materials.