Judy Lamelza

Special to Chicago Construction News staff writer

Chicago’s West Englewood neighborhood is preparing to witness the rise of an innovative, sustainable mixed-use development called The Regenerator. Located at 6206 S. Racine Avenue, this project will transform the former Woods Elementary School into a vibrant community hub.

From vacant school to community beacon

Woods Elementary School, has been closed since in 2013. Spearheaded by the Go Green team, a consortium including Gorman & Company LLC, the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN), Resident Association of Greater Englewood (RAGE), Teamwork Englewood, and E.G. Woode, The Regenerator will breathe new life into the 62nd and Racine intersection. Nia Architects, renowned for their thoughtful designs, will be leading the architectural aspects of the project.

Urbanize Chicago states that one of the highlights of The Regenerator is its commitment to sustainability. The existing façade, characterized by ribbon windows and glazed brick, will be enhanced to make the building more sustainable.

A one-story addition will be clad in fiber cement paneling, with the existing façade also incorporating this material, replacing some of the current ribbon windows. The new paneling will harmonize with the existing glazed brick through carefully selected matching colors.

This not only revamps the aesthetic but also paves the way for the building to achieve the coveted Enterprise Green Communities certification.

 

 

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