New Jones now expected by 2013-2014 school year

12/03/2009 10:48 AM

By Micah Maidenberg
Editor

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The new, 1,200-student building for Jones College Preparatory High School is expected to open Sept. 3, 2013, according to a document released yesterday by the Public Building Commission.
Chicago Public Schools director of operations Jose Alvarez told Chicago Journal in June that the new facility would be ready for the 2012-2013 school year.
CPS spokespersons were not immediately available for comment. Chicago Journal will update this blog post as new information is available.
The building commission, which oversees construction contracting for Chicago government agencies, is seeking an architect of record for the Jones project; that document shows the new opening date.
Like many construction projects, the schedule is not set in stone.
"The proposed design schedule, as well as any other proposed dates discussed in this RFQ, is subject to change, based on modification or revision by the PBC or user agency requirements (or the requirements of its consultants) and with input from the successful respondent," the request for an architect reads.
Other information listed in the document isn't new -- the site of the new facility remains in Printers Row, at the northwest corner of State and Polk, immediately south of the current facility. That building would be demolished. No note is made of what could replace it.
Architecture firms interested in bidding must account for a variety of uses in the new Jones building.
"The new construction will include classrooms, computer and science laboratories, art and music studios, administrative and support services, a library and a full-service dining facility to accommodate the intended student population," the document reads. "The project will also include athletic facilities and fine and performing arts amenities.
"In addition, the facility will require underground parking and rooftop gardens. A minimum LEED certification of silver will be required."
One aspect of the new Jones that remains undefined is the school's enrollment structure. Currently Jones is a selective enrollment high school -- one of the nine elite test-in public institutions -- but the expanded Jones is expected to allow some kind of access for South Loop students since its construction will be, in part, funded by tax increment financing dollars.
Ald. Robert Fioretti, whose 2nd Ward includes Jones, has indicated a neighborhood component is required if TIF dollars are used.
CPS has proposed major changes to the selective enrollment process, however.
Jones enrolled 829 students in the 2009-2010 school year.



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