Schools
Hinsdale D86 Replaces Firm That Designed $140M In Projects
The former architectural firm was paid nearly $10 million for its work over six years. Problems occurred with the pools.
DARIEN, IL – The architectural firm that was paid nearly $10 million to design projects for Hinsdale High School District 86 over the last six years is being replaced.
Lombard-based Arcon Associates handled the design and engineering for $140 million in projects approved in a 2019 referendum.
Problems later occurred with the newly constructed pools at both Central and South high schools.
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This week, the school board approved Chicago-based Wight & Company as the district's new architect of record.
Eleven firms, including Arcon, submitted proposals to be the district's main architect, according to a memo. An evaluation committee heard presentations from Wight, Wold Architects & Engineers and DLA Architects.
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"We heard from three amazing architects," board member Bobby Fischer said.
He praised the work that Wight has done at suburban Chicago high schools, including Stevenson and New Trier.
He also said the district's staff is putting together a master plan for the campuses.
"It seems like we have a lot of ground to make up, and this is going to be the right partner to make up that ground," Fischer said.
Wight served as Elmhurst School District 205's architect for its $168 million in projects approved in a 2018 referendum.
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