Venice Elementary School

Our relationship with the Venice Community Unit School District #3 began in 2012 and has grown into a trusted partnership. Since that time, we have supported the district through a range of facility improvements – providing inspection services, structural investigations, and design solutions tailored to their evolving needs.

In 2020, following concerns regarding visible cracking in the elementary school’s architectural elements, our team conducted a visual inspection to assess the condition and identify potential causes. With students off campus due to the pandemic, further evaluation determined the building was unsafe for continued occupancy due to a foundation failure. In collaboration with the district and the architect, Oates provided engineering and surveying services to support the safe demolition of the structure.

Following demolition, the district and architect engaged in a planning and visioning process to help define the needs of the new facility. Supported by a $26 million Illinois Capital Development Board emergency school construction grant, the project moved forward with a clear direction. The Oates team supported the design of the new elementary school building by providing civil and structural engineering and surveying services.

The new 49,000 square foot school building serves Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade and is designed to support a full range of academic functions. The facility includes classrooms, spaces for early childhood and special education, a nurse’s office, and shared areas such as a gymnasium, cafeteria, library, computer lab, administrative offices, and an integrated storm shelter. Site features include parking lots, drop-off lanes, a connection to a future bike path, two playgrounds (including one for Pre-K), a grass sports field, and a basketball court. Stormwater management solutions include detention basins, rain gardens, and pervious pavement. Sustainability was a key priority throughout the design process, culminating in the building’s achievement of LEED Silver certification.