BRIDGEPORT — Mark Sheridan Math and Science Academy is on tap for a new $8 million annex building.
At a quiet news conference at the school last week, Mayor Rahm Emanuel shared plans to build the annex on the school building’s east side, according to Ald. Patrick D. Thompson (11th).
The K-8 magnet school at 533 W. 27th St. will use the annex for a gymnasium, multipurpose room, cafeteria and expanded washrooms,
“It’s well overdue,” Thompson told DNAinfo Chicago. Built in 1881, the school was last renovated in 1901.
News that Chicago Public Schools would put up the money to building an annex at the 563-student school shocked Sheridan's principal, John O’Connell.
“Our recent addition is 115 years old,” O’Connell said and laughed. “We’ve been pushing for a playground, and due to budgetary issues that was all put on hold… I did not anticipate this.”
The project will include a new playground and green space north of the annex.
School officials say the new gymnasium will make it easier for family to attend events. The gym is now on the second floor, making it difficult for grandparents to climb the stairs.
The new gym will allow Sheridan to expand its sports programs.
“After school sports are at a minimum, because the upstairs gym does not fulfill their needs,” O’Connell said. “Those are the big wins. It’s not just about kids. It’s about the family and community as well.”
Funds to complete the build the annex will come from the Chicago Public School Capital Improvement Budget, according to Thompson.
The building could take up to a year to complete, Thompson said — in time for the 2017-18 school year, but CPS has not released an official time-frame.
Principal at Sheridan for the last decade, O'Connell is already thinking of how he’ll use the new space:
“I’d like to have graduation there.”
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
