Schools

Proposed LTHS Renovations Could Make Lunchtime Brighter

The North Campus cafeteria, along with the Reber Center, eight science labs and the South Campus tennis courts, are among the district features targeted for improvement.

Very little daylight seeps into the cave-like Lyons Township High School North Campus cafeteria, most of which is underneath the original 1888 portion of the building.

But drawings of proposed renovations show that could soon change.

Architects presented draft renderings during Monday’s District 204 School Board meeting of updates to the cafeteria and other parts of the school that LT could pursue as soon as next year.

Find out what's happening in La Grangewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The most dramatic change is the proposed cafeteria revamp, which includes the addition of floor-to-ceiling windows to the wall facing the courtyard.

“Our goal is to create a much more lively, bright space for kids to enjoy,” DLA Architects CEO Dwain Lutzow said.

Find out what's happening in La Grangewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The cafeteria would be set up like a food court with multiple serving stations and would include higher ceilings, as well as seating for more students.

The district plans to use bond issue proceeds to fund the projects, though it will have a better idea exactly how much money it has to spend next week, Business Director David Sellers said. District 204’s financial advisor is scheduled to attend a Facilities Committee meeting to discuss the proceeds in detail.

Sellers said he expects the proceeds will be comparable to or greater than the $17.8 million the district used for projects during the last major round of renovations, which began nearly 10 years ago.

The new projects “are based on identification of needs and discussions that have occurred over many, many years,” Sellers said.

Other areas targeted for a possible facelift:

North Campus

  • Reber Center
  • West Field
  • Locker rooms

South Campus

  • Secured entrance off of main office
  • Tennis courts

Both Campuses

  • Renovations of eight science labs
  • Air handlers
  • Roofs (primarily south campus)

The money from the bond issue proceeds must be spent within three years, though the district will have 10 years to pay it back, Sellers said.

“We would be very much involved with construction in the summer of 2014,” he said.

The district plans to discuss the full scope of the projects at the June 25 Facilities Committee meeting.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here