As part of a creative solution to deal with overcrowding at two Chicago middle schools, the new Robert J. Richardson Middle School was built to alleviate pressure at the nearby campuses and accepts nearly 1,500 students. The three-story school building was designed with a focus on creating a visually engaging façade with pops of vibrant colored accent panels, amid white masonry walls, creating harmony between the energetic interior design and the dynamic exterior landscapes. The new campus features multi-colored light details along paved walkaways and interesting seating spots adjacent to long islands of flowerbeds and trees. Promenade^TM Plank Paver, in the unique mottled Umbriano® finish, was used to create a sleek linear design of the school yard, complementing the clean modern look of this middle school. The result is an exciting exterior that reflects the students and Chicago’s West Lawn community through its lively color scheme, landscaping and modern amenities.

This project is LEED® Gold Certified and has won multiple awards for its design. (ALA Merit Award in the Institutional category, Excellence in Masonry Award for the Best New Elementary School)