About
School and Neighborhood Improvement
Overview
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As Francis W. Parker (“Parker”) approaches its 125th anniversary, the school is advancing an innovative School and Neighborhood Improvement Proposal (“Proposal”) proposal designed to further its educational mission that includes offering significant benefits to the Lincoln Park neighborhood and city of Chicago.
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The Proposal is a result of years of dialogue and collaboration with neighbors, community groups, local elected officials, and conversations within the Parker community, and is grounded in the school’s values of collaboration, civic responsibility, accessibility and affordability.
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To be implemented, the proposal will depend on fundraising and city approvals.
Increased Educational Access and Affordability
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With the new building, Parker will also expand access to about 125 additional students, gradually, over the course of seven years.
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In addition to the generous financial assistance it already provides annually, Parker will also work to raise an additional $60 million for its endowment, which could give 55–65 more students per year the opportunity to receive financial assistance, significantly increasing the socio-economic diversity of the school. This will be in addition to the approximately 185 students who already receive financial assistance annually.
Thoughtfully Designed New Educational Building
- Parker’s proposal includes plans for a new educational building at 327–335 W. Belden. The new building will honor the architectural character of the existing structure and the Belden Avenue residential streetscape, and will include the reuse of original decorative elements, brick, stone and wood materials from the current building where possible.
- It will provide much-needed classroom and multi-purpose space to support the expansion and the demands of modern educational programs.
- Reconstructing the building will significantly reduce construction time, minimize disruption for the neighborhood, and allow for a much slimmer pedestrian overpass. For neighbors to the west, the design also lessens sound from mechanicals and retains sunlight for those neighbors through a building cut-out.
Low Profile Pedestrian Overpass that Keeps Arrival and Dismissal Off Belden
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Parker will connect the new facility to the existing campus through a slim pedestrian overpass designed to fit unobtrusively across a back alley—a key solution to traffic and safety that allows students to move easily between buildings and keeps arrival and dismissal activities off Belden Avenue, a commitment made to neighbors years ago.
DarkSky Certified Field Lighting and Shared Youth Programming Use
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Parker plans to install DarkSky certified athletic field lighting to give students additional practice and game time in the fall and spring, with minimal light spillover and environmental impact. Parker is pursuing DarkSky certification for its athletic field lighting plan.
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Per community input, when not in use by Parker, the field will be made available to other local school and youth programs. It will not be available for adult programming.
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Leadership at the Lincoln Park Zoo has expressed support for the field lighting plan because its responsible design protects local wildlife.
No Meaningful Impact on Traffic and Parking
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Parker commissioned a transportation study through a third-party consultant to understand any potential effects of the new educational building and field lighting on traffic and parking. The study confirmed that Parker has a carefully coordinated drop off and pick up system that is closely monitored and adapted as needed. The study also found the expected enrollment increase, with continued management of student drop-off and pick-up, will have no meaningful impact on neighborhood traffic flow and parking.
Upgraded Neighborhood Safety
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In response to neighborhood concerns about crime, Parker is investing in new pedestrian lighting and security cameras along Webster Avenue and Lincoln Park West, which will enhance neighborhood security.
Affordable Housing Investment + Commitment to Residential Housing
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In response to community feedback and input from Alderman Knudsen, Parker will offer its existing administrative building at 2236 N. Clark to be converted into a 100% affordable housing development with seven new units, expanding housing access in Lincoln Park for 30 years.
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The project will be financially undertaken and managed by a Parker-approved developer and will operate in the spirit of the City of Chicago’s Affordable Requirements Ordinance, including its maximum income and rent levels.
- The units will be marketed to first responders and essential workers, helping to keep the neighborhood accessible to those who contribute to it and otherwise may not be able to afford to live there. Parker’s contribution to this initiative is valued at $2 million, including the property’s value and a $500,000 cash contribution.
- Parker has also committed that 317–325 W. Belden, also owned by the school, will remain as a multi-family residential building for the next 30 years, preserving existing high-quality housing units that contribute to the city’s tax base.
Francis W. Parker School educates students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse democratic society and global community.