District 58: Pierce Downer Addition, Security Upgrades 'On Track'

Several capital improvement projects—including a $1.2 million addition to Pierce Downer Elementary School—are "on track" to be completed this summer in Downers Grove Grade School District 58, officials said.

In a report to the District 58 Board of Education on July 8, Superintendent Kari Cremascoli said the projects are all moving along as scheduled, and are expected to be finished in the early part of the school year.

The Pierce Downer project, which includes a three-classroom addition on the northeast side of the building and modifications for additional small instructional spaces, was initially slated to be finished in early fall, possibly September.

"It's looking like the (Pierce Downer) addition will be completed in time. The floors are looking really beautiful," Cremascoli said.

Pierce Downer, 1436 Grant St., has been the subject of much debate this year as district officials grapple with severe space constraints—an issue also experienced by Lester Elementary School.

The decision to move forward with the addition at Pierce Downer stems from a comprehensive assessment of the district’s 13 schools, as well as the Administrative Service Center and Longfellow Center. The assessment, according to district officials, was the first step in creating a long-term facilities plan.

Click here to view the full D58 facilities assessment.

The final assessments were presented to the board this past spring. The report identified facility needs, recommended construction projects and improvement options for the district’s operational buildings—all of which would cost approximately $39 million.

District 58 also moved forward this summer with a $630,600 asphalt replacement project at 11 of its schools, and is replacing flooring at Fairmount, Hillcrest, Kingsley and Lester for a total of $588,659.

The other major capital improvement project, security upgrades at all 13 schools, is well underway. Each building is being equipped with a more secure front entry that includes a remote locking feature, doorbells, an intercom and a camera with a direct feed to police.

"The security installation is going really well," Cremascoli said.

Capital improvement costs are being covered by $5 million in Life Safety bonds and $3 million of the district's own funds, officials said.