ANCONA SCHOOL
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 1993

Situated in the northern part of the Chicago Hyde Park neighborhood, this Montessori based nursery through eighth grade's facilities were nearly doubled in size. A new 16,000sf addition was grafted onto an existing collection of buildings, the oldest of which formerly housed a private girls school at the turn of the century. Selected portions of the existing facilities were remodeled to make way for new administrative areas and a gymnasium. The Ancona School serves students from preprimary age through eighth grade.

Photos by William Kildow. General Contractor was UBM Construction.

View of Addition from Courtyard

A two story stuccoed volume marks the common areas, flanked by classrooms, new and old.

Hallway at Addition Rear Stair

The light metal stair with perforated risers let the view continue to a courtyard beyond. A freeform mosaic tiled bench, crafted and donated by WKA, sits under the landing.

Street Entry

A curving metal canopy denotes the new street entry, which is situated between the existing buildings and the new addition.

Middle School Classroom

The computer lab, the blue volume in the background, separates the two "sister" classes. Cabinetry at the perimeter of the classrooms suggests smaller discussion and activity areas.

Preprimary Classroom

Large sliding wood doors to the left allow one leg of the ell-shaped classroom to be separated for nap time. Window seats sit below large corner windows beyond, creating a well lit gathering place.

Addition from Street

A view of the addition from the street side.

Hallway at First Floor Entry

The common activity space exerts its presence in the hall with its generous glazing and bright blue exterior walls, that continue on the exterior facade.

Collage

A collage of snapshots of the school in use.