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East St. Louis High School in Illinois
Aug 5, 2020
East St. Louis High School
Design: Ittner Architects
Location: Illinois, USA
East St. Louis High School shows how architecture can create a new “sense of place” in this remarkable transformation of an aging school that repositions it for the 21st Century.

The extensive renovation and large additions for East St. Louis High School confirms equity and creates a community of learning in a long under-served inner city school district. Our 10-year relationship with the district established our dialogue with diverse and often untapped voices, ensuring the building renovations represented the entire community.
The architectural outcome was determined by the stakeholders? high level of dedicated involvement. We helped them realize this outcome through the design of two large additions: a gym and career center, and complete renovations of both the interior and exterior of the building.

Careful planning and tight programming also allowed us to provide spaces the district could grow into, offering amenities like a generous learning stair and large collaboration spaces commonly found in wealthier districts. Infilling the courtyard allowed the building to be substantially reconfigured with a double-height media/technology center forming a central innovation hub.

Located in a city notorious for high crime, w...