The Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy (IHSCA), founded by Instituto del Progreso Latino (Instituto), is a new charter high school that will serve 600 youth from Chicago communities. The IHSCA will be the first dedicated career academy in the state of Illinois, and will also be used to consolidate existing educational programs provided by Instituto. The project requires the renovation of an existing 3-story, 75,000 sq. ft. warehouse and a 3-story addition to the building’s north side. The facility will house the following: classrooms; science and computer labs; health careers and family resource centers; a community clinic with social worker and psychologist offices and exam rooms; library; dining / multi-purpose room; fitness center; and administrative and conference spaces.

Ghafari is the architect of record for the project, which is designed to achieve a minimum of LEED Silver Certification. McShane Construction Company is leading the design-build team, which also includes JGMA (Moreno Architects), design architect.