Dett Elementary Annex
KOO · Chicago, IL
Overview
Dett Elementary Annex is a shared facility for Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Park District, linking education, recreation, and community life. Featuring a gymnasium with multi-sport courts and bleachers, a community room, and flexible spaces, it readily supports school and park functions. With vibrant brickwork inspired by school colors, a learning garden, and thoughtful integration with Touhy-Herbert Park, the annex is a welcoming hub that enriches the lives of students and the surrounding community.
Dett Elementary Annex is an important addition to both Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Park District, designed as a flexible, community-oriented facility that bridges education, recreation, and neighborhood engagement. Connected to the existing Dett Elementary School and integrated with Touhy-Herbert Park, it serves daily school functions while transforming into a shared field house for community use after hours. This dual- purpose approach demonstrates how educational infrastructure can enhance neighborhood life and expand recreational access. At the heart of the annex is a full gymnasium designed for multi-use sports and activities. The gym features a regulation main court and two practice courts separated by a retractable divider curtain. Additional striping accommodates volleyball and pickleball, making the space versatile for a range of activities and age groups. Bleachers, a scoreboard, and a built-in sound system support competitive events and community gatherings. Beyond athletics, the building also includes a community room, restrooms, and circulation spaces designed for both students and the public. The community room, with its glass corner, provides transparency and visual connection to the park. An operable divider wall allows it to flex between large meetings, classes, or smaller events. Accessibility and inclusivity were priorities throughout the design. The building includes an all-gender multi-user restroom, a new standard across Chicago Public Schools, underscoring the district’s commitment to safe, inclusive facilities. The field house is also targeting LEED Silver and is the first CPS project to incorporate solar panels, setting a precedent for renewable energy and sustainable construction. Site improvements extend the annex’s impact outdoors. A new learning garden provides an educational resource for students, while a revised parking lot improves accessibility and circulation. New native plantings and trees enhance the landscape, improving the environment around the school, park, and adjacent neighborhood. Type of Construction Renovation/Addition
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