Referendum Construction 'On Schedule And Within Budget': District 58

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Construction and upgrades to District 58's elementary and middle schools has stayed "overall schedule and within budget," according to a recent update from district officials.

Work began on the multi-school project after the majority of Downers Grove voters favored a $179 million bond referendum in the November 2022 election to facilitate the work.

The recent update indicated that Fairmount, Indian Trail and Lester Elementary Schools are set to have their asbestos-containing materials abatement wrapped up over spring break. In early May, construction crews will begin working during after-school hours on the second phase of work for the elementary schools.

For Herrick and O'Neill Middle Schools, workers have already finished the majority of foundation and excavation work, in addition to installing curtain walls and framing and handling rough-in work for utilities. It's anticipated exterior addition work on the middle schools will be done this summer and interior work will be finished this fall.

Per the update, there has been a delay in installing a transformer that will power and cool new spaces at Herrick Middle School. It's expected this delay will not affect the overall timeline for construction to be completed at Herrick and "construction partners are also creating an alternate plan that would provide temporary power and cooling to these areas until the transformer is installed," the update said.

At O'Neil middle school, crews will begin upgrades to the roof this spring. Winter 2025 should see the completion of at least six new classrooms for O'Neill Middle School, per the update.