The award winning firm JGMA was selected by Northeastern Illinois University from over 30 entrants to design this new El Centro urban campus in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago.
Located just off the Kennedy Expressway at Kimball Avenue, and within walking distance from the Belmont blue line station, the prominent site offers convenience to commuter students and a heightened visibility for the University.
JGMA’s design includes 56,000 square feet of classrooms, computer labs, a multi-media resource center, conference rooms, community and study rooms, and a double-height reception lobby.
Additionally, the building’s sculptural form, rhythmic sun-shading and bold color contributes to a new identity for NEIU and re-enforces to passersby Chicago’s identity as a city of rich educational and architectural cultures.
Northeastern Illinois University’s El Centro Campus provides educational, career and cultural opportunities primarily, though not exclusively, to the Latino community and makes available general education programs to students who are interested in taking classes primarily during the evening hours and weekends.
This campus offers undergraduate and graduate courses and serves the Latino community through English as a Second Language (ESL).
A key component to the campus are the outreach programs with the local community through education, health, housing and technology. The building celebrated its Grand Opening September 30, 2014. Source by JGMA Architects.
Location: Chicago, USA
Architect JGMA Architects
Structural Engineer Forefront Structural Engineers
Civil Engineer Prism Engineering
MEP/FP Engineer Primera Engineers
Landscape Architect Site Design Group
General Contractor George Sollitt Construction Company
Acoustical Engineer Arup
Electrical BEI
Plumbing Chas, Bruckner and Son
Heating FE Moran
Ventilation Wolf Mechanical
Fire Protection US Fire
Client: Northeastern Illinois University
Year: 2014
Photographs: Tom Rossiter
