A Civic/Institutional Design Citation of Merit recognizes the renovation and expansion of Crow Island School, an influential 1940 collaboration between Perkins&Will and Eliel and Eero Saarinen, that established a new model for progressive, child-centered education. Its low horizontal massing, courtyard-connected L-shaped classrooms, abundant daylight, and carefully scaled circulation create an environment that connects learning, autonomy, and nature. Following community-centered planning, the school district undertook a comprehensive effort to address evolving needs while retaining architectural character. Exterior masonry was carefully studied to match the original Chicago Common brick, and the original steel-window proportions and profiles were preserved using thermally broken aluminum and storefront systems that replicated the historic visual character while improving performance. Historic ceiling systems, some of which were no longer manufactured, required selective preservation, replacement, and visual coordination. Accessibility improvements, landscape and stormwater upgrades, and expanded learning environments further extend the school’s capacity to serve future generations. 

Winnetka Public Schools

Perkins&Will: Ralph Johnson, Design Principal; Bryan Schabel, Design Principal; Mark Joliceour, Managing Principal; Rick Young, Project Manager; Justin Hegge, Senior Project Architect; Daniel Rollet, Project Architect; Megan Mohney, Architect; Harboe Architects: Gunny Harboe, Consulting Architect