Marist Plans Campus Expansion, Buys Building In Palos Heights

CHICAGO – Marist High School announced plans to expand its Mt. Greenwood campus by purchasing a 75,000-square-foot facility in Palos Heights and providing some infrastructure relief for the 59-year-old building.

The Catholic high school plans to renovate the former Palos Courts Club, 12221 S. Ridegeland Ave., into a state-of-the-art indoor center to support the school’s growing college prep curriculum, expanding athletic and arts programming, as well as ongoing alumni and prospective student outreach.

The conceptual design of the complex will consist of four sections: two turf arenas, one all-purpose court, as well as three multipurpose rooms located at the east end of the complex. The facility will feature cutting-edge flooring, lighting, and playing surfaces designed to accommodate any type of activity. Divider curtains will separate each section into smaller areas. Other amenities will include air conditioning, boys and girls locker rooms, concessions, and a full line of audiovisual equipment.

“Our commitment to excellence drives us to continually be forward-thinking,” Marist High School President Larry Tucker said in a news release. “This facility is an investment not only in the future of our school, but in our holistic approach to educating and caring for the body, mind, and spirit of each and every student, alumni, donor, and community member.”

The development of the facility will provide infrastructure relief to Marist High School’s main campus. The new space will enhance the welfare of the entire student body, expand sports medicine, sports performance, and athletic training opportunities within the school’s curriculum and co-curricular offerings, and increase alumni, student, and future RedHawk engagement. The indoor center also will create a year-round, climate-controlled venue for mission retreats, band practices and performances, as well as event space for reunions, leagues, and more.

“The school’s facilities are consistently maxed, utilizing every available space,” Marist Principal Meg Dunneback said. “The new facility allows us the opportunity to further support initiatives related to student mental health and wellness, while building a curriculum that leads into many of the advanced fields our students are looking to enter once they complete high school and beyond.”

As Marist redevelops the complex located along Ridgeland Ave., the school is working with an exploratory committee to refine facility utilization and operations. Check out the renderings.