Plan Commission approves Parker School expansion

The Chicago Plan Commission has approved the proposed expansion of Francis W. Parker School. Located in Lincoln Park at 330 W. Webster, the school’s property is bounded by N. Lincoln Park west to the east, W. Webster Ave to the south, and N. Clark St to the west. The expanded site would incorporate an existing residential building at 335 W. Belden which would be demolished to make way for the proposed expansion.

Designed by von Weise Associates, the new five-story school building will measure approximately 59,000 square feet reaching 65 feet in height. The building will provide new classroom space organized around a central atrium. A pedestrian connection will be constructed over the alley to connect the new building to the rest of the school. 

To integrate the building into the character of the residential street, the building’s design features architecture that is complementary with the existing building and surrounding streetscape. The building’s massing is reminiscent of the existing building with a brick facade and similar limestone banding and cornice. The top floor is clad in metal and glass storefront and is partially setback to reduce its visual impact. 

As part of the project, new athletic lighting will be installed on the existing field at the corner of N. Lincoln Park West and W. Webster Ave. Security cameras and new pedestrian lighting on the sidewalks will also be installed.

To allow for the $39 million development, the school is seeking to amend the existing Planned Development to incorporate the new site and rezone it to RM-6. With approval from the Chicago Plan Commission secured, the proposal can seek final approvals from the Committee on Zoning and City Council. 

If approved, installation of field lights, security cameras, and pedestrian lighting would be done in Summer 2027, with construction of the new school building set to start no sooner than 2028.