CHICAGO, IL – The United Neighborhood Organization (UNO) marked the grand opening of its tenth charter elementary school on September 15 with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony, which included remarks from Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. The new K-8 school, located in Chicago’s Gage Park neighborhood, is part of a master plan that seeks to encourage development throughout the local community with a focus on academics and athletics. Ghafari Associates led the design-build team for the 63,000 sq. ft. project, which was constructed in less than 8 months.

In his address, UNO CEO Juan Rangel proudly expounded upon the organization’s 27-year success story and academic mission, along with its ability to build school facilities faster and more economically than others. UNO’s newest school, a three-story stainless steel and glass structure, houses classrooms for 576 students, exercise and training facilities, a multi-purpose area and full-service kitchen. The site also includes an outdoor amphitheater available for both school and community use, as well as a soccer field and playground area. Designed to achieve LEED Silver Certification, the facility incorporates multiple sustainable features, including a green roof system.

Construction of the fast-track project commenced in February and was completed in time for the start of the 2011-2012 school year on September 6. The project was delivered using a design-build methodology under which Ghafari also developed the architecture and engineering of the building in collaboration with design architect JGMA (Moreno Architects) and Primera Engineers.