Nearing the end of the new construction!
We are nearing the end of the new construction of the brand new, modern, and exciting Neal project. We have worked long days and hours, pushing to get this building ready for the community, families, and students after the November holiday. We can’t wait for you to see the finished product, we know students and teachers will love the bright colors throughout, the natural light around every corner, and the thoughtful design to support student learning and social emotional learning. We are so grateful for the project team and entire community for staying committed to making this the most transformational project in North Chicago. Stay tuned for more details related to the official opening coming soon!
Construction Progress
Warmer and dryer weather means the tarp enclosing the exterior of the building has been removed! While lots of work will continue to prep the exterior for windows and metal panels, there has been great progress continuing with the interior of the building, including all mechanical, plumbing and electrical system installation and some drywall in classrooms. In April, the Project Team was able to join the sixth-grade science classes to make real life connections with lessons on building a structure and the measures necessary to ensure it is weatherproof and well insulated (see photos below). The team will continue to push through the Summer to ensure a Fall 2022 opening!
Construction Progress
While the exterior of the new NMSA will continue to be enclosed until warmer weather, there is a lot of activities being done inside the structure. Interior walls are being framed for the classrooms, offices, and common spaces. All of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are being installed (this is a major milestone!). The learning stair is almost complete, which will be such an important piece of this new building for students, families, and community to gather. We are excited about the progress taking place inside the building and are on track for a Fall 2022 opening!
Construction Progress
Construction progress for the new NMSA continues, even through the frigid temperatures and Winter weather! All structural steel has been installed, all five floor levels are complete and concrete decking has been poured. The new NMSA now has two completed stair towers and the learning stair at the main entrance is beginning to take shape. The new building is fully enclosed to ensure that work can continue through the winter months, and crews will continue to work hard are building the interior classrooms, mechanical systems, and offices to ensure an August 2022 completion date. The new NMSA continues to progress and we are so excited to show you the progress.
New Neal at Eagle Fest!
The New Neal Community Advisory Council and IFF organized a New Neal table at the 2021 Eagle Fest in August. CAC members greeted students and families as they came through the fair with images of the new school and sample building materials. We also handed out magnets and snacks while chatting about the upcoming construction. It was great to see everyone excited to start the new school year!
2021 Summer Update
The Neal Development Project has been up and running this summer with exciting new progress! The construction crew has completed site work and will be completing foundation footings by September 2021. This work will provide a strong base for the vertical steel structure that will begin installation in Fall 2021. See below for photos of the construction crew installing the foundation footings.
Video: New Neal Groundbreaking!
The vision for North Chicago’s only middle school is becoming a reality. See how students & community members are shaping the New Neal Math & Science Academy through AbbVie’s $40 million donation:
New Neal Job Fair
All interested job seekers invited!
Please join North Chicago School District 187, IFF and baso, as well as JGMA Architects, Gilbane Building Company/Bowa Construction and Blackwood Group, for a Workforce Outreach Job Fair for the Neal Math and Science Academy Redevelopment Project to learn more about employment opportunities! Contractors will be present to meet with individuals interested in working on this project. Information regarding potential apprenticeship programs will also be available. Due to current CDC guidelines, please plan to arrive during the selected time slot upon registration to allow for social distancing and safe interactions.
Date: Wednesday, June 9, 2021
Time: 3PM-5PM
Location:
Neal Math & Science Academy (Parking Lot at the corner of Argonne Drive and Kristan Avenue)
1905 Argonne Drive
North Chicago, IL 60064
Please register and learn more here.
New Neal Groundbreaking
On May 6th, a small group of North Chicago partners and stakeholders were able to attend a COVID-safe groundbreaking event. We were grateful to be able to celebrate such a powerful project and to elevate the voices of our very own NMSA students who have been integral partners in the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) throughout this project. While we know we have lots of hard work ahead, we were excited to take the time to celebrate this project with the North Chicago community. Patience Cager, a NMSA 8th grader, said it best during her speech, “I believe the new Neal will show that we can do BIG things in our community and we care about our school and our entire community.” We are excited to continue to support the big things happening in North Chicago!
Hire Neal Workforce Outreach Job Fair
Learn more about employment opportunities, including an opportunity to work on the new Neal Math & Science Academy redevelopment project in North Chicago. Contractors will be present to meet individuals interested in working on new Neal. Information regarding apprenticeship programs will also be available.
Wednesday, April 14 2021 10AM
For more information and registration:
