National Children's Day: Epstein's Education Portfolio

National Children's Day was this past weekend, a day in which we are encouraged to take a moment to slow down, turn off our technology and re-focus on things that matter. This can be a difficult task when we each have our hands full with our daily to-do's, deadlines, chauffeuring kids to practice, etc. Rather, we are looking back at some our projects in education, and Epstein's impact on future minds.

Epstein provided interior design and MEP/FP engineering services for the 5,000 square foot Bennett Day School located at 657 West Fulton in Chicago. This high-end private school serves families of kindergarten and pre-kindergarten children with a maximum of 15 students per class. In addition, there is also a program from 2 year-olds.

Epstein designed this educational facility to the standards set-forth in the Reggio Emilia approach to learning, which was developed in post WWII Italy. This style allows students to have some influence on learning, features significant parent interaction, and makes sure that students have access to ample natural light and common areas called piazzas.

Epstein provided MEP/FP engineering services to JGMA for the redevelopment of the Neal Math and Science Academy in North Chicago. This middle school will be completely replaced with a new five-story building and will increase in size to 93,000 square feet (from 88,000 square feet) and house 625 students.

The school includes classrooms for core curriculum, tech lab/maker spaces, administrative spaces, a cafeteria and media center. The building is organized around a central “learning stair” where students, faculty and visitors can gather for presentations and events. The school includes a FEMA-rated storm shelter, which required special engineering consideration.

Epstein designed the HVAC systems for the building including hydronic heating, and rooftop air handling units for heating, cooling and ventilation. The storm shelter includes override controls to provide alternate ventilation if primary systems are knocked offline. Electrical systems include an emergency backup generator to support life safety systems and hot water circulation pumps. The storm shelter is served by a dedicated battery backup inverter system. Lighting is all energy-efficient LED, incorporating daylight sensors and a high level of controllability. MEP/FP systems were coordinated with JGMA’s design, taking advantage of exposed ceiling areas, ceiling clouds, and other architectural features. Epstein also designed the plumbing, fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems for the Neal Math and Science Academy.

Epstein is providing design services for various Chicago Public Schools including Mayer, Ruiz, Burley, Chase, Jackson M., Joplin Oscar Mayer, and Thomas J. Higgins Elementary Schools; and Vaughn and Collins High Schools.

These projects focus primarily on MEP upgrades including the addition of new Direct Outside Air Systems (DOAS) throughout the schools; addition of air handling units, and replacement of hydronic heating system throughout the schools, including boilers, radiators, finned tube units, and piping.

Epstein also provided construction documents, permit documents and construction administration for site improvements at Talcott Academy Playlot. The scope included replacing grass field with synthetic turf, replacing playground equipment and rubber surface, installing a new educational garden, installing new custom benches, resurfacing of basketball courts, stormwater management for detention, and landscaping. Epstein collaborated with Shabbir Chandabhai and Burhani Design Architects.

Epstein also provided campus improvements for A.N. Pritzker Elementary School in Chicago including the replacement of the 3-acre playground. The space was converted from a paved play area to a turf field featuring new playground equipment, basketball courts, running track, a relocated staff parking lot, and new landscaping. The project also included stormwater detention and permitting with the Department of Water Management as well as alley and ADA ramp improvements off-site. Epstein collaborated with Shabbir Chandabhai and Burhani Design Architects.