The Smarter Solution for

Cost Savings

When Donovan CUSD 3's gymnasium was shut down by the Regional Office of Education due to structural concerns, the district faced a difficult challenge. The facility served as an important space for students, athletic programs, school events, and community gatherings, making a solution both urgent and essential.

Initial recommendations presented to the district included replacing the entire gymnasium. While those options addressed the structural concerns, they came at a significant cost and would have required demolishing far more than was necessary to solve the problem.

Seeking another perspective, Donovan CUSD 3 turned to JP Architects for a second opinion.

Looking Beyond Demolition

When evaluating existing facilities, it is important to understand not only what the problem is, but why it exists.

After reviewing the gymnasium, our team identified a more targeted approach. Rather than demolishing and rebuilding the entire facility, we recommended removing and reconstructing the failing wall while preserving the remainder of the building.

This solution directly addressed the structural issue that led to the closure while avoiding the cost and disruption associated with a complete replacement.

More Than a Repair

The reconstructed wall also provided an opportunity to improve the building's exterior performance and appearance.

The original brick facade was replaced with a durable metal panel system that complemented the existing upper portion of the gymnasium, creating a more cohesive architectural appearance while improving long-term durability and reducing maintenance concerns.

To further improve building performance, new gutters and drainage enhancements were installed to better manage stormwater and help protect the facility for years to come.

Rather than simply restoring the building to its previous condition, the project delivered improvements that enhanced both functionality and aesthetics.

Maximizing District Resources

By focusing on the root cause of the problem, Donovan CUSD 3 was able to achieve a safe, long-term structural solution while significantly reducing project costs compared to a full replacement approach.

Those savings created opportunities that extended well beyond the original scope of work.

Additional improvements included:

• Modern retractable bleacher seating
• Updated interior branding and graphics
• Infrastructure improvements across both district buildings
• Facility enhancements that improved the student and community experience

Instead of dedicating all available resources to replacing a building, the district was able to invest in improvements that delivered value throughout its facilities.

A Smarter Path Forward

Today, the gymnasium once again serves students, athletes, staff, and community members.

What began as a facility emergency became an opportunity to modernize the building, improve its long-term performance, and make the most of district resources.

Before committing to a costly replacement, make sure all options are on the table. The right solution may be closer, and more cost-effective, than you think.

If this sounds similar to a challenge your district is facing, let's talk - 708.907.3651.

Until next time,

Jose R. Pareja

President | JP Architects, Ltd.

JP Architects, Ltd. is a full-service architecture firm specializing in K-12 Design, Higher Education, Governmental Design, commercial architecture and residential design. We have a young and vibrant team led by leadership who is progressive in their management style. We serve Chicagoland and North & Central Illinois and are licensed in multiple States. We bring sound principles of design, creativity, innovation, resourcefulness, reliability, quality, and functional architecture and interior design to each project. At JP Architects, Ltd. we REALIZE. the Possibilities, DESIGN. Your Reality. & INFLUENCE. Your Life and Community.