Epic Academy New School Project
The City Council of Chicago has granted approval for the establishment of a new educational facility for Epic Academy. Positioned at 8231 S. South Shore, the upcoming school will be situated in the former St. Michael's school building. The project involves the construction of an addition.
With the goal of creating a state-of-the-art school, architects JGMA have led the design process using the history and the past as a springboard for the future. Their design holds the former school in high regard while creating a new experience for the students with the new four-story addition on the north side of the building. The new addition includes a new entry to connect with the community and underscore the new feeling for students.
Functionally, the addition incorporates spaces that foster school-community and family ties, with most classrooms remaining in the original structure. The gymnasium has been elevated atop the building, providing a communal focal point and capitalizing on scenic views. The addition, designed in the round, boasts terracotta-clad facades in a vertical rhythm inspired by the existing building. The building's entry, set at an angle, creates a dynamic new entrance space for the neighborhood and students.
Prioritizing sustainability, the building aims to achieve at least LEED Silver certification, surpassing energy codes. It incorporates solar panels, exceeds stormwater regulations, incorporates green roofs and trees, reduces indoor water usage, provides bike parking, ensures bird protection, and proximity to transit. The project is currently in the design development phase, with site acquisition contingent on the approved zoning change. Roofers will promptly stabilize the building due to significant water infiltration. While fundraising continues, the school aspires to occupy the building by 2024 or 2025.
