John Lukancic Middle School and Beverly Skoff Elementary School

Romeoville, Illinois

Firm

Wight & Company

Client

Valley View Community Unit School District 365U

Area

250,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$39,224,000

Completion Date

08/2006

To meet the school district’s goal of creating a new K to 8, two-school campus, the architect was able to modify the district’s prototype elementary school and connect it to a new 1,000-student middle school. The connection of the schools allowed the district to realize savings in site development, utility services, mechanical systems and overall building costs while meeting the objective of creating a new 1,900-student campus.
A key challenge was maintaining distinct identities and learning environments for the two schools and diverse student populations. The two separately identifiable schools operate independently while realizing the benefits of a more efficient building footprint and site-
development plan.
The central core area includes two gymnasiums, locker areas and fitness spaces, as well as the middle school auditorium. In addition, the central food-service area that serves two separate cafeteria areas enables students, or multiple community groups, to use the facility at the same time. This central core provides for a functional community center that is accessible during non-school hours.