The Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy (IHSCA), a new charter high school founded by Instituto del Progreso Latino, celebrated its grand opening on September 22 in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel attended the event and offered remarks about the unique educational facility and its importance in the local community and city. At capacity, the IHSCA will serve over 600 youth from Chicago neighborhoods as the first dedicated career academy in the state of Illinois.
Ghafari was the architect of record for the project, which required the renovation of an existing 3-story, 75,000 sq. ft. former warehouse and a 7,500 sq. ft. addition. McShane Construction Company led the design-build team, which also included JGMA (Moreno Architects), design architect. The facility features 32 high-tech classrooms, 10 science labs, a nursing simulation lab, health careers and family resource centers, a community clinic, library and a multi-purpose / assembly space with views of the Chicago skyline.
