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For more than 120 years, Ravinia Elementary School has served as a cornerstone of the Highland Park community. As Architect and Structural Engineer, Wight & Company partnered with North Shore School District 112 to transform this historic landmark into a future-ready learning environment that supports contemporary educational practices while preserving the character and identity that make Ravinia a neighborhood treasure. Rather than replacing the existing facility, the project embraced adaptive reuse, extending the life of the building through thoughtful renovations and additions that improve accessibility, safety, performance, and educational functionality.

The reimagined school is organized around flexible, student-centered learning environments that support diverse instructional approaches and foster collaboration, belonging, and engagement. Comprehensive upgrades included academic neighborhoods, modernized learning spaces, ADA accessibility improvements, enhanced safety systems, and a pioneering geothermal HVAC system that improves comfort, indoor air quality, and energy performance. The result is a welcoming, sustainable learning environment that honors Ravinia's rich architectural heritage while preparing generations of students for future success.

Photo Credit: Connor Steinkamp Photography

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