Lincoln Vs. Field: Which Was Better Deal?

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst School District 205 demolished and rebuilt Lincoln and Field elementary schools in the last couple of years.

So which was the better deal for taxpayers?

By the district's numbers, Lincoln cost $398 per square foot, while Field was 15 percent higher, at $456.

Lincoln was bid out in fall 2020; Field followed a year later.

What happened in that one year: Inflation surged for the first time in four decades. Labor and commodity costs rose. And supply chains suffered severe delays

Field and Lincoln were the biggest projects of the $168.5 million referendum that the district's voters approved in 2018.

Lincoln ultimately cost $30.5 million, with 76,600 square feet. Field was $37.3 million, with 82,000 square feet.

Both schools opened on time – Lincoln for 2022-23 and Field for 2023-24.

District 205, which serves more than 8,000 students, consists of eight elementary schools, three middle schools, a high school, an early childhood education center and a transition center.

The new Field Elementary School opened last month. (David Giuliani/Patch)