PUBLIC BUILDING COMMISSION AWARDS CONTRACT TO RENOVATE COLLINS HIGH SCHOOL

The Chicago Public Building Commission has issued a contract for the renovation of the Collins High School building.

    The Public Building Commission of Chicago awarded a contract for the renovation of the existing George Collins High School at 1313 South Sacramento Drive in Douglas Park. The scope of the project includes the conversion of an auto shop into a library/media center and college resource center; interior classroom finishes throughout the Arts Building; new lighting and sound system for the auditorium; new filtration system and main drain for the swimming pool; and new paving and landscaping at main entry plazas.
    The Collins High School renovation is scheduled to begin this spring and be completed with the building open for students prior to the beginning of the fall session.
    The PBC implements an economic sustainability program for each project it takes on, including bid incentives for the employment of apprentices and minority and female workers; community hiring and resident workforce requirements; and contract provisions that require minority- and women-owned business participation and local business involvement.
    A date for community hiring intake will be scheduled in the next few months and will be posted at the construction site.
    This project is funded through the Modern Schools Across Chicago (MSAC) initiative, an innovative program financed through a combination of Chicago Public Schools bonds and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds. To date, 19 new schools and renovations have been completed or are in development by the Public Building Commission. The MSAC projects developed by the PBC have a current projected surplus of $109 million, or 10.13%. Additional information about the PBC and its projects can be found at www.pbcchicago.com.