Construction Of New Gym Moving Forward At Northbrook School: Superintendent

NORTHBROOK, IL — Over the next few weeks, construction of a new gymnasium is expected to begin at Northbrook School District's Meadowbrook School. Superintendent Dr. Jason Pearson provided an update at a board of education meeting last month regarding the project that was part of a $94.9 million bond initiative approved by voters in April.

Pearson said district leaders are meeting with the architects "to more clearly define the project plans at all schools," according to Northbrook District 28. DLA Architects, based out of Itasca, is working with the district.

In addition to the money approved by voters, the district will use $20 million from its operating funds to fund the projects.

Here is the projected construction timeline:

• August 2025: Meadowbrook gymnasium construction begins
• March 2026: Meadowbrook gymnasium completed and construction of the new Meadowbrook School begins
• April - June 2026: NBJH, Westmoor and Greenbriar construction begins
• Feb. - April 2027: NBJH, Westmoor, and Greenbriar Phase 1 construction completed
• August 2027: New Meadowbrook School completed
• February 2028: Greenbriar Phase 2 completed

In 2024, building improvements at the four schools in District 28 were proposed as part of a 10-year facilities master plan. In the April 1 consolidated election, 63 percent of District 28 voters supported the proposal, while 37 percent opposed it.

The projects included in the referendum were developed with community input as part of the district's Building Tomorrow Together community engagement program, based on needs identified in the district's comprehensive master facilities plan.

RELATED: Plan Recommends $80M In Building Improvements For District 28 Schools

At Meadowbrook School, which opened in 1955, the cost to build a new school is estimated at $56 million, according to the district.

"Studies show that it is more cost-effective to replace, rather than repair," the district said. "To renovate and repair the existing building, it would cost 64 percent of the price of new construction. New construction results in a school with minimal maintenance and repairs for years to come."

The new two-story building is being constructed behind the existing building. The old school will operate during construction, allowing children to stay with their school community. The new gymnasium will be attached to the rear of the existing building.