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Board hears Act Three schematic design for performing‑arts and athletics; cost estimate due June 11, scope vote expected June 25
Summary
Architects presented schematic plans for the district’s Act Three performing‑arts and athletics addition (double‑height music and theater spaces, rehearsal rooms, adaptive PE); the district expects a Gilbane cost estimate June 11 and will ask the board to set scope and budget June 25 ahead of a potential referendum to fund construction.
Architects from FGM presented the Act Three schematic design at the May 28 Oak Park and River Forest board meeting, showing a performing‑arts–focused addition that stacks double‑height music and theater spaces with athletic and adaptive‑PE facilities above.
FGM explained schematic updates since concept review: rehearsal rooms and instrument storage, percussion ensemble space, improved sightlines and supervision for practice rooms, backstage dressing‑room access from the black‑box theater, and dedicated adaptive‑PE changing rooms. The architects also described an exterior treatment tying the addition to Project 1 and Project 2 masonry and a prominent orange canopy band. They said the design preserves the Sesquicentennial mural and allows for a future statement mural on the façade.
Architects said they submitted design drawings to Gilbane for a schematic‑level cost estimate and expected that estimate at a June 11 facilities meeting. Administration said that, if the board sets a scope on June 25, the district would pursue a plan‑development application with the village and continue design‑development work through the summer. Officials emphasized there is no long‑term funding yet for the work; a capital referendum in spring 2027 was identified as the likely funding route, and the board must decide how much design or pre‑construction work it will authorize before a vote.
Several students addressed the board before the presentation to describe how band, choir, and theater programs rely on better rehearsal and practice spaces. Board members and architects said faculty and students had been heavily consulted and noted the next board steps: a schematic‑estimate presentation on June 11 and a decision on scope and interim design authorization at the June 25 meeting.
