Financial measures approved today by City Council will support capital improvements to three Chicago
high schools and a pair of elementary schools.
 
Roald Amundsen High School, 5110 N. Damen Ave.
Amundsen High School in Lincoln Square will receive $500,000 in Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
assistance for the construction of two new computer classrooms, a wireless internet network, and
improved lunchroom and auditorium facilities. The funds will be applied towards planning,
design and installation costs. Chicago Public Schools will fund the remainder of the $552,482
project.
 
Benito Juarez Community Academy High School, 2150 S. Laflin St.
Juarez High School on the Lower West Side will be reimbursed with $701,000 in TIF for the 2010
construction of a new athletic field. The artificial turf field is used by students and area residents.
Chicago Public Schools will fund the balance of the $750,000 project.
 
William Penn Elementary School, 1616 S. Avers.
Penn School in North Lawndale will receive $1.12 million in TIF for construction of a new science
lab and the installation of dehumidification equipment. Total project cost is $1.22 million. The
balance will be paid by Chicago Public Schools.
 
Richard T. Crane Technical Preparatory High School, 2245 W. Jackson Blvd.
Crane High School on the Near West Side will receive $2.3 million in TIF for the construction of a
new artificial turf athletic field and running track. The work, which will include a drainage
system, lighting fixtures, and accessibility amenities for people with disabilities, will be entirely
funded by TIF.
 
Bret Harte Elementary School, 1556 E. 56th St.
The parking facilities at Harte School in Hyde Park will be expanded through the proposed sale of
a 12,300-square-foot, City-owned lot at 5528 S. Cornell Ave. The lot will be sold for $1 to Solstice
on the Park LLC, which will use a portion of the site for the development of a 28-story
condominium tower and the remainder as an expanded parking area for school faculty. The
parking improvements are valued at $500,000.
 

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