A Campus for Expeditionary Learning

Situated on an exceptional 27-acre site designated as an Illinois Nature Preserve and formerly home to the Fox River Country Day School, the Elgin Math and Science Academy (EMSA) is dedicated to the careful restoration of the network of prairie-style buildings on-site to align with their Expeditionary Learning model.

Master Plan (2019)
An initial master plan project addressed options for growth by focusing on the campus structures needing substantial repair and preserving the site’s rich legacy while creating a distinctive and sustainable learning environment.

Middle School + Gym (2021)
The athletic building, originally constructed in three phases between 1958 and 1961, was in a deteriorating state. Today, it stands transformed into EMSA’s middle school building and gym, showcasing a seamless integration of its historical phases, each characterized by distinct construction styles and floor elevations. A former pool has been covered over and converted into a space with classrooms, lockers, and a multipurpose room, where students eat daily meals, gather for assemblies, and where staff and the entire student body celebrate the culture of expeditionary learning. The sports court and stage have been restored to serve as the new home for athletic events.

Art Barn (2021)
Found in a state of advanced decay, the 2,000 sf log cabin has been restored to once-again serve as an Arts hub. The design maintains an open plan to facilitate flexibility while upgrading the facility to meet safety, accessibility, and sustainable standards, including new windows, insulation, and an upgraded roof structure. The space is kept open with a only a single volume inside that hosts a washroom and supply storage. An art display wall works as a backdrop for visitors entering the building, and the original roof structure is exposed above.

Administration Building (2023)
The Administration Building, erected in 1928, has been carefully restored to house the school’s 7th and 8th grade classes. The prairie-style structure was designed by John S. Van Bergen, an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright. On the exterior, the stacked limestone, stucco, and paint colors have been restored to match original photographs. New thermally broken double-pane aluminum windows have been crafted to closely match the original steel windows, incorporating chevron-shaped mullions. Collaborative efforts involving the City, the school, and a historical consultant have ensured the careful adaptation and restoration of the interior to create classrooms for 21st-century learning.

Construction Manager: Bulley & Andrews
Structural Engineer: Enspect Engineers
MEP/FP Engineer: McGuire Engineers
Civil Engineer: Terra Engineering
Photography: Tom Harris Architectural Photography