Photo: The improvements were funded by a portion of a $49 million community-approved referendum and designed by Wold Architects & Engineers in collaboration with school district representatives and the Buffalo Grove Park District. | Photo Credit: Courtesy of Wold Architects & Engineers
By Lindsey Coulter
BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. — Aptakisic-Tripp School District 102 in Buffalo Grove, Ill., recently celebrated the ribbon cutting of a new gymnasium and interior renovations at Aptakisic Junior High School. The improvements were funded by a portion of a $49 million community-approved referendum and designed by Wold Architects & Engineers in collaboration with school district representatives and the Buffalo Grove Park District.
“The success of this referendum reflects our community’s strong belief in supporting the district and investing in future generations of students,” said Dr. Jessica McIntyre, superintendent of Aptakisic-Tripp CCSD 102, in a statement.
Approved by voters in 2023, the referendum is a significant investment in Aptakisic-Tripp School District’s future and has already supported a new nine-classroom science wing, energy-efficient upgrades across multiple schools and enhanced security systems. The junior high gymnasium addition is built to accommodate a growing student population, improve student drop-off safety and create a more accessible community space.
“This project will enhance students’ experiences at school while creating opportunities for the greater Buffalo Grove community to use brand new gym spaces,” said Mike Eichhorn, education practice leader at Wold Architects & Engineers, in a statement. “From enhanced technology to expanded courts, the gym’s design offers more for students and visitors to enjoy. Every detail was designed with learning, wellness and connection in mind.”
The new gym features two full-sized courts, modern locker rooms and a relocated fitness room that centralizes the physical education wing. Students were directly involved in the process by voting on the gym’s colors and bleacher design, while coaches, staff and government officials helped guide design decisions that could keep students safe and the greater community accessible. In addition to supporting athletics and daily instruction, the gym is lined for basketball, volleyball and three official pickleball courts, allowing the park district to host community programs in the evenings and on weekends.
“The new, collaboratively designed gymnasium is a wonderful example of community partnership that creates a space for students and our community to come together. At the same time, the other components of the referendum focus on ensuring the longevity, safety and energy efficiency of our buildings,” Dr. McIntyre said. “Together, these investments strengthen our schools today and for years to come. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together and deeply grateful for the community support that made it possible.”
Aptakisic-Tripp School District is a high-achieving public school district covering seven square miles in Lake County, Ill., and serving a diverse population of approximately 2,600 students with more than 60 languages across four schools. Beyond this project, District 102 continues to modernize aging infrastructure at its schools, including updated mechanical systems, LED lighting to reduce energy use and enhanced security measures such as controlled access points and reconfigured entrances. The final referendum construction projects are expected to be completed by summer 2026 at Meridian School.
Project partners included Wold Architects & Engineers, Nicholas & Associates and ARCON Associates.