A standout in Clearing: John Hancock College Preparatory High School design and construction earns “Best Project, K-12 Education” commendation from ENR Midwest
Just after the construction of John Hancock College Preparatory High School started in Chicago’s Clearing neighborhood in 2020, Illinois’ Governor JB Pritzker issued a stay-at-home order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The design-build team for the new school wasn’t deterred — work continued uninterrupted and finished on time and under budget.
The 178,000-square-foot facility, the result of strong collaboration between the Public Building Commission of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, and the design-build team, replaces a 75-year-old lackluster facility. Hancock High School not only elevates its students, 94% of whom are Hispanic, but it also creates a community hub within Clearing, where 82% of families are economically disadvantaged.
ENR Midwest has named Hancock High School “Best Project, K-12 Education” in its annual 2022 Regional Best Projects competition. The competition honors the best construction projects and the companies that designed and built them. An independent jury of industry leaders judged projects using five criteria:
- Overcoming challenges and teamwork
- Safety
- Innovation and contribution to industry/community
- Construction quality and craftsmanship
- Functionality of design and aesthetic quality
“Under tremendous circumstances, the Hancock High School team delivered the project as planned,” said Public Building Commission of Chicago Chief Development Officer Ray Giderof. “The project would not have been a success without the team’s unwavering dedication and hard work. They represent the best part of our industry.”
The design-build team includes architectural partners Legat Architects and UrbanWorks and construction partners K.R. Miller Contractors and ALL Construction Group.
Winning projects will go on to compete in ENR’s Best of the Best Projects, a national juried competition.
See more photos and learn more about how John Hancock College Preparatory High School created a diversity inclusion model and responded to the Chicago Midway International Airport just three blocks away.
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