Ellington Elementary School is a new three story elementary school of approximately of 114,000 square feet on Chicago’s West Side. SMNG-A was selected as architect-of-record for this highly visible and important assignment to replace an aged and substandard community school. Construction documents were completed in less than three months and contractor bids were grouped within a 2.5% range. Work began in September, 2003.
The original Chicago Public Schools prototype design was enhanced with building envelope details such as special lighting, color and a landscape plan that emphasizes Ellington’s contribution to music. The two story entry canopy is highlighted by ground lighting; a sidewalk pattern featuring a playful display of musical notes etched into the sidewalk, and carefully placed ornamental trees. Building features include 38 classrooms, multi-purpose room, library with instruction space, and dining room with a fully equipped kitchen. Each of these important elements is integrated into the design through the use of lively corridor wall colors, and a terrazzo floor pattern designed to resemble piano keys. At the entry, a special terrazzo pattern that recalls the base drum face of the famous Duke Ellington Orchestra helps to identify the administration offices. These and other imaginative details add life to the prototype design while helping to bind the school and the community together.
