A major K-12 modernization project has reached completion in suburban Chicago, marking a significant milestone in Downers Grove Grade School District 58's districtwide capital improvement program. Bulley & Andrews has completed the $53 million renovation and expansion of Herrick Middle School, the largest project within the district's $179 million voter-approved facilities program.
Bulley & Andrews has served as construction manager for the District 58 referendum program since 2022, overseeing improvements across the district's 13 schools. The initiative includes secure entry vestibules, air conditioning installations, life safety upgrades, and facility renovations scheduled for completion by the end of summer 2026.
At Herrick Middle School, the contractor delivered four building additions totaling approximately 45,000 square feet during the 2024-25 school year. New facilities include a main entrance and administration area, a storm shelter gymnasium, commercial kitchen, classrooms, and an atrium library.
The project also involved renovating approximately 90,000 square feet of existing school space over the summers of 2024 and 2025.
The renovation required phased construction to maintain school operations throughout the 18-month project. Bulley & Andrews coordinated construction activities with district officials to reduce disruptions for students and staff while work progressed.
The contractor reported completing more than 150,000 work hours without a lost-time incident during construction.
In addition to construction activities, the project incorporated the company's "Behind the Fence" educational outreach program, providing students with opportunities to observe construction operations and learn about careers in the construction industry.
The renovated campus is expected to accommodate approximately 900 students during the 2026-27 school year, including sixth-grade students who will attend the school for the first time.
School districts continue investing in modernization programs that improve campus safety, educational environments, and building performance while extending the life of existing facilities. For construction owners and contractors, the Herrick Middle School project demonstrates the planning, phased scheduling, and stakeholder coordination required to complete large-scale renovations on occupied K-12 campuses.
Source: Bully & Andrews.
