William H. Seward Communication Arts Academy
- Preservation Architecture
- Education
- Building Envelope
As part of the Chicago Public Schools capital investments, McGuire Igleski led the exterior envelope restoration of William H. Seward Communication Arts Academy. The extensive rehabilitation project included substantial repair and restoration of the brick, terra cotta, and sandstone exterior, roof replacement, and window replacement, in addition to localized interior finish repairs. The original sandstone building base and horizontal stringer courses were severely deteriorated and covered with aluminum siding, necessitating the removal of all sandstone and the replication of the original design in new rusticated cast stone. Non-original windows were replaced with modern custom aluminum windows that reflect the profile and appearance of the original window design.
Photos: Will Quam
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago Public Schools
76,000 square feet
Located at 46th Street and Hermitage Avenue in the historic Back of the Yards neighborhood, the initial construction of Seward Elementary School was completed in 1894. The classically inspired school was designed by August Fiedler, a prominent Chicago architect who served as the Board of Education’s Chief Architect and Superintendent of Construction. The growing population of the community necessitated a significant addition, designed by Arthur F. Hussander in 1913, that extends the basic Classical style of the original building with a more contemporary appearance including larger window openings that reflect early twentieth-century standards for the design of educational buildings.