Kensington School is building an early childhood education center at 1745 N Damen Avenue in Wicker Park, and construction progress is beginning to rise above street level. This is the fourth Kensington School location in Chicago, and the 17th overall.
Kensington School construction from the 606. Photo by Daniel Schell
Kensington School construction from the 606. Photo by Daniel Schell
Designed by the Naperville firm of Charles Vincent George Architects, the three-story, 25,000-square-foot building will include a daycare facility, art and music rooms, and feature a rooftop play area. The Lauder Group of Burr Ridge is the general contractor.
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Three properties, at 1741, 1747, and 1749 North Damen were demolished to clear space for the new facility. All three received demolition permits from the City of Chicago on August 21 of 2023. The permit for New Construction followed 10 days later, on August 31. Taylor Excavating did the demo work.
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
The three now-demolished buildings, via Google Maps
There will be some parking included in the finished project, but that will be for staff, not students. Those wishing to use public transportation to get students to and from Kensington School will find a Route 50 Damen bus just a block away. A three-block walk south leads to the Milwaukee/North/Damen three-way intersection and stops for the 56 and 72 buses, as well as the CTA Damen Blue Line station. For walkers and cyclists, the 606 Trail is less than a block north of the school.
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There’s such a shortage of childcare/early childhood education. This is great to see. And it’s huge!