A pair of Chicago public high schools and four elementary schools will be improved through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) measures introduced to the City Council by Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
The projects include: the Kenwood Academy High School; the Wendell Phillips Academy High School; the William Penn Elementary School; the Stephen K. Hayt Elementary School; the Jacob Beidler Elementary School; and the West Ridge Elementary School.
Kenwood Academy High School, 5015 S. Blackstone Ave.
The Kennwood High School in Kenwood would receive $9.2 million in TIF for the construction of an enclosed pedestrian bridge between two campus buildings, as well as new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment in the gymnasium. The work would be entirely funded by TIF.
Wendell Phillips Academy High School, 244 E. Pershing Rd.
The Phillips High School in Douglas would receive $2.5 million in TIF for the construction of a 22,000-sq.-ft. annex to the school gymnasium. The balance of the $14.9 million project would be supported by $7.4 million from Chicago Public Schools and a $5 million State of Illinois grant.
William Penn Elementary School, 1616 S. Avers Ave.
The Penn Elementary School in North Lawndale would receive $550,000 in TIF assistance for the construction of a new playground with rubber surfacing. The work would be entirely funded by TIF.
Stephen K. Hayt Elementary School, 1518 W. Granville Ave.
The Hayt Elementary School in Edgewater would receive $200,000 in TIF for the construction of a new artificial turf field, walking track, benches, site utilities, and drainage system. The balance of the $600,000 project would be funded through a State of Illinois grant.
Jacob Beidler Elementary School, 3151 W. Walnut St.
The Beidler Elementary School in East Garfield Park would receive $500,000 in TIF assistance to replace an existing rubber turf field with new organic infill materials. The work would be entirely funded by TIF.
West Ridge Elementary School, 6700 N. Whipple St.
The West Ridge Elementary School in West Ridge would receive $200,000 in TIF to replace an existing rubber turf field with new organic infill materials. The work would be entirely funded by TIF.
