CHICAGO, IL — Gilbane Building, in partnership with North Shore School District 112, celebrated the ribbon cutting of the newly modernized Ravinia Elementary School. The event marked a milestone in the district’s Long-Range Facilities Plan and the completion of a renovation project that blends 21st century learning environments with sustainability.
The revitalized school now features flexible learning spaces, enhanced safety and accessibility, and a geothermal HVAC system — the first-of-its-kind Dynamic Closed Loop system in the United States. This innovative system, designed and installed by Trane Technologies, is expected to reduce the school’s carbon footprint by up to 30 percent and deliver more than $3 million in long-term savings.
The renovation was made possible through funding from a 2022 referendum, which was supported by 72 percent of voters.
The project presented significant structural challenges, requiring creative problem-solving and close coordination among all project partners. Gilbane worked together with Wight & Company, the project architect, to navigate complex design and construction issues, ensuring the project remained on schedule and within budget. This collaborative approach was key to delivering a modernized facility that meets the evolving needs of students and educators.
“This project is emblematic of our mission to honor the past while building a brighter future,” said Dr. Mike Lubelfeld, Superintendent of North Shore School District 112. “Installing the most advanced geothermal system in the country at our oldest school site is a powerful symbol of our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and educational excellence.”
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“It’s been an honor to partner with North Shore School District 112 on this visionary project. Ravinia Elementary now stands as a model for what’s possible when innovation, sustainability, and community come together,” said David Lumley, Project Executive at Gilbane Building. “We’re proud to have delivered a facility that will serve generations of learners.”
