D97 Admin Building Repairs Could Cost Up to $2.8M: Report

Repairs to Oak Park Elementary School District 97's administration building could cost almost $3 million, according to a report from architecture firm STR Partners.  

STR Partners Tuesday shared a comprehensive report on the administration building at 970 Madison St., as well as a building capacity study, an accessibility study and an air conditioning study. 

While the headquarters building is in relatively decent shape, STR Partners reported that "major concerns" are related to the building's HVAC system, which could cost about $940,000 to repair. 

The report included two routes the district could take to remediate the HVAC issue, including a total replacement of the air handling unit systems with a rooftop variable air volume unit system. While it's the more expensive choice, a complete replacement would increase overall efficiency and create a more comfortable space that wouldn't overheat or get too cold, according to the report. 

The second, less expensive option, would include replacement of the two old water-cooled chillers with a new air-cooled chiller. The entire project would cost about $2.8 million if the district chooses the first option, and about $1.7 million if the district chooses the second. 

STR Partners also recommended work on the building's exterior envelope to improve water drainage, replacing electrical panels, some roof repairs and other fixes, but did not provide in-depth recommendations related to accessibility issues or structural issues. 

According to the Wednesday Journal, D97 and the Village of Oak Park have discussed the idea of building a new facility on the Village Hall parking lot.

The Journal also reported early this month that the district and the village will host a joint public meeting next month to address the possibility of building a new administration building on the Village Hall property. 

Read that story here.