The original Dirksen Elementary building was built in 1971-1972 (named after Everett McKinley Dirksen, a former US Senate Minority Leader from Illinois who helped write and pass landmark civil rights and fair housing legislation in the 1960s). A much needed, LEED-Certified addition was finished up recently, doubling the size of the existing school.
The architects at Studio ARQ approached us in search of two warm, coppery brick colors in a “grain” or “matte” texture, plus two contrasting smooth grey brick options. To keep costs in check, the project utilized economical 2-1/4″ x 11-5/8″ utility brick. Salesman Dave Chuter provided over 25 different sample boards for review, “changing horses a few different times” to find the perfect masonry! The winners were “Heirloom” and “Ginger” from Summit Brick, plus “Greenwich” and “Central Park” from Watsontown. The completed annex compliments the colors of the older structure, while adding a modern touch with its sleek, contemporary aesthetic.
LOCATION: 8601 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60656
Read more on the Public Building Commission’s site.
ARCHITECT: Studio ARQ, SMNG Architects
GC: Bowa Construction + F.H. Paschen
MASON: Vimak Construction
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Watsontown Brick, Summit Brick
