CPS Historic Schools Initiative

In 1994, Bauer Latoza Studio began to document the extant schools in Chicago as an internal research project for the firm. After performing a physical and photographic survey of 575 schools, it became apparent that a methodology for saving these schools needed to be developed. Soliciting the help of the Chicago Department of Planning, Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois, and the AIA, Bauer Latoza Studio developed a planning strategy for identifying and protecting historic schools. This initiative was presented to the Chicago Public School Board in 1996 and was immediately enacted. As part of the Managing Architect Team for the Chicago Public Schools Capital Improvement Project, Bauer Latoza Studio was placed in charge of the Historic Schools Initiative, and has been helping to restore these architectural masterpieces of education ever since.

  • Client: Chicago Public Schools
  • Project Address:
  • Project Size: 575 schools
  • Construction Cost: Varies from $1 million – $30 million
  • Services Provided: Programming, Restoration, Rehabilitation, Design Documents, Construction Documents, Construction Administration
  • Awards: 2006 Outstanding Rehabilitation Award, The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation – Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois, in recognition of the Lindblom Math & Science Academy rehabilitation
  • 2006 Merit Award, Chicago Building Congress In recognition of the Lindblom Math & Science Academy rehabilitation
  • 2001 Preservation Excellence Award, City of Chicago – Commission on Chicago Landmarks, in recognition of the Shakespeare School restoration
  • 2001 Preservation Excellence Award, City of Chicago – Commission on Chicago Landmarks, in recognition of the Sexton School restoration
  • 1999 Preservation Project of the Year Award, The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation – Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois, in recognition of the Pullman School restoration