As students returned this fall, they were introduced with not only a new school year, but also a number of freshly renovated bathrooms–a long-awaited upgrade.
The renovations, completed on Aug. 19, are the first part of a three-phase, $105.7 million project funded by a 2023 referendum.
“With the renovation, we knew we would have access to mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems,” Principal Dr. Lenart said. “It is important to update these when we are able to do so, especially in such a historical building.”
The bathroom renovations began on June 8 and were completed over the summer, allowing the students to experience the new bathrooms at the start of school. Rather than renovating one location at a time, a specialist was brought in to handle all the locations (ex: electrical person did electrical for all locations) and they were part of the entire summer cycle.
Student feedback on the new bathrooms has been overwhelmingly positive. Senior Blakely Rice, who used the bathrooms during the first week of school, commended the new design.
“The new single-stall bathrooms are great. They are so much cleaner and nicer to be in,” Rice said.
Junior Maggie Jarvinen agreed with Rice’s statements, noting how great it is that the “locks actually work” and how she doesn’t have to “feel scared that someone will walk into the stall or it will open on its own.”
The bathroom renovations have notably improved both the appearance and utility of the space. The updated fixtures, modern design, and enhanced layout have transformed the bathrooms into a more functional and visually appealing setting.
“They are nicer, ADA compliant, and function better than the older bathrooms,” Dr. Lenart said.
The updated bathrooms represent an investment in the school’s infrastructure and are part of the district’s effort to improve the learning environment.
The Lake Forest Community High School District 115 is dedicated to utilizing the referendum funds in a way that will create a healthier school environment, enhance ADA accessibility (Americans with Disabilities Act), and continue excellence in education, according to Managing Director Elizabeth Hennessy.
Chief Operating Officer Dr. Jennifer Hermes said that they “expect the referendum construction to last about five years.” The renovation is part of a comprehensive three-phase referendum plan:
1- Enabling Phase (June 2023 – June 2025)
This initial phase, which includes the “development of schematic design, construction documentation, and the creation and advertisement for bid packages,” has a budget of $6,863,867. It sets the groundwork for the main construction efforts.
2- Main Construction Phase (July 2025 – June 2027)
This next phase, with a budget of $55,395,64, focuses on the main construction activities, including major upgrades and renovations across the school facilities. Some of these improvements will be in the World Language classrooms, Maker Lab, CAD Lab, science labs, small theater, and IT Helpdesk.
3- Construction Closeout (July 2027+)
The final phase will wrap up the construction process and ensure that all projects are completed and finalized.
During the “Enabling Phase,” renovations included individual and stacked bathrooms on the lower level, Level 1, and Level 2, developed and designed with efficiency in mind.
“It will be impossible for us to be successful in this construction process without listening to all the voices: our community, our staff, our students,” Dr. Hermes said.
Director of Facilities Dan Mortensen said he is excited for the new changes ahead and understands the importance for the school’s future.
“It’s going to be an amazing project; it’s long overdue for this facility, and I’m very excited to partner with the community, the staff, the students, and turn Lake Forest High School into the proper learning environment for our amazing students,” Mortensen said.
