Construction work underway for high school renovations in Indian Prairie District 204.
The Indian Prairie District 204 School Board has approved major renovation contracts for Waubonsie Valley High School and Neuqua Valley High School. Awarded to Pepper Construction Co. and Bulley and Andrews, these projects aim to enhance educational facilities and accommodate increasing student enrollment. Funded by a $420 million bond sale, renovations include auditorium updates, new classrooms, and improved sports facilities, as well as extensive enhancements across the district. The initiative represents a significant investment in the future of education for students.
The Indian Prairie District 204 School Board has taken a significant step towards improving its educational facilities by approving contracts for major renovation oversight at two high schools. During a recent board meeting, the board unanimously approved contracts with Pepper Construction Co. and Bulley and Andrews, signifying the district’s commitment to enhancing its schools through much-needed upgrades.
Pepper Construction Co. has been awarded the contract for renovation work at Waubonsie Valley High School, while Bulley and Andrews will oversee projects at Neuqua Valley High School and the Birkett Center. The decision follows a ballot measure in November where district residents showed overwhelming support for a $420 million bond sale aimed at facility improvements across the district. This summer’s renovations are part of a comprehensive plan funded by these bond sales, which targets essential repairs and enhancements throughout various school facilities.
The approved renovations include a substantial $7.6 million upgrade to the auditorium at Waubonsie Valley High School, which is aimed at modernizing the space for various school performances and community events. In addition, the project at Neuqua Valley High School is crucial for accommodating additional students. By 2027, Neuqua Valley plans to expand to include freshmen, allowing for the repurposing of the Birkett Center to support other district programs.
The Birkett Center is set to become a hub for students with special needs, housing programs such as STEPS (Supportive Training Experiences Post-Secondary) and the Gail McKinzie High School, along with a designated welcome center. This transformation promises to create a more inclusive educational environment for all students.
Pepper Construction will manage multiple phases of renovation at Waubonsie, which will also include improvements to the athletic stadium. Meanwhile, significant upgrades at Neuqua Valley spearheaded by Bulley and Andrews will encompass enhancements to the main entry, new classrooms, and updates to various building wings. A new synthetic turf field is also on the way for Neuqua Valley, aimed at providing top-notch athletic facilities for student athletes.
In addition to these major renovations, the updates at the Birkett Center will focus on the STEPS and Gail McKinzie centers. These improvements will integrate modern educational and vocational training resources to better prepare students for their futures and various career paths.
The renovations are not limited to the highlighted projects. Additional summer upgrades across the district include extensive updates to original structures and systems, covering essential areas such as flooring, roofing, and paving, with a total investment of about $40 million. Notably, Neuqua Valley’s Foods Lab is slated for a $944,000 renovation to enhance culinary education facilities, providing students with improved resources for hands-on learning.
All architectural work associated with these renovation projects is being carried out by Wight and Co., ensuring high-quality design and execution throughout the various updates across District 204 facilities. With these planned renovations and upgrades, the district is not only improving its educational landscape but also reinforcing its dedication to fostering an enriching and supportive learning environment for all students in the community.
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