The construction project converting space at Homewood-Flossmoor High School for a full commercial kitchen is on time and on budget.
H-F is in the middle of a $26 million building program that includes work in the North Building and the addition of a new science building. The school board sold $20 million in bonds and is using reserve funds to cover the remaining cost.
Ryan Kelley of DLA Architects reported to the District 233 school board’s Finance Committee on Thursday, Aug. 8, that “it’s quite a transformation of that lower level in North (building),” Kelley said. The contractor faced some additional work on the grease trap and sanitary sewer hook-up, but Kelley said crews “have been working 12-hour days, seven days a week” to get the commercial kitchen space ready.
In addition, the remodeling added a flex classroom, a dry storage area and office space for staff. Improvements were also made to adjoining corridors.
The commercial kitchen is the final step in construction work in the North Building. New spaces for clothing and interior design were available to students in the 2023-24 school year. The updates for the residential kitchen were done in spring and students used that new space for the summer term. Now the commercial kitchen will be ready when school opens Aug. 15.
With the addition of a commercial kitchen to the Career and Technical Education curriculum, students will get the training they need to apply for entry level food preparation jobs upon graduation.
Kelley also reported that the science building should be ready in January 2025. Masonry work is about 90% complete, the roof and windows will be installed in September. Once the building is enclosed, craftsmen will work on the building’s finishes.
The science addition is 46,000 square feet with 15 classrooms. It is a Net Zero building that will generate its own energy sources with solar panels on the roof and 20 geothermal wells dug 500 feet deep generating energy for heating and cooling, according to Jim Patterson, H-F director of operations.
Gabriela Martin with Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation came to H-F in May for a walk through the construction site. The foundation will award $2 million toward construction costs of a green building.
“She’s extremely excited about it,” Kelley said. The project has gone through two interim reports. H-F’s science wing will be one of a handful of school buildings in Illinois that rely on green energy sources.
Graphics displays will be within the building informing students on how the science addition is meeting Net Zero standards, Kelley said.
H-F will also apply for a $40,000 grant from ComEd for energy conservation. That is awarded when construction is complete.