To redevelop a former elementary school in Chicago, IFF formed a partnership with Gorman & Company and the Puerto Rican Cultural Center and is paying $3.1 million for the Chicago Public Schools building.
Construction will begin in early 2016 on the building, with IFF as project leader, Gorman & Company as lead developer, and the Puerto Rican Cultural Center as lead community partner. The property will be redeveloped to include housing for current and retired public school teachers, educational programs, office space, and a café open to the public — priorities identified by Humboldt Park community members.
Improvements to the Von Humboldt building’s exterior and interior will maintain much of the integrity of the original design. The building is expected to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places, fortifying its history as an architectural landmark and valuable community asset.
The Chicago Board of Education on July 22 approved the sale of the former school, which has been closed since May 2013.