De La Salle Institute
Chicago (Bronzeville)
De La Salle Institute, a historic educational institution founded more than 130 years ago, remains deeply rooted in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood at 35th Street and Michigan Avenue. To address evolving academic programs, aging infrastructure, and inadequate athletic facilities, the school embarked on an ambitious expansion.
Eckenhoff Saunders’ master plan leverages an available site across Michigan Avenue to create a cohesive campus identity. The plan incorporates a technology-rich learning environment, a championship-quality stadium, increased parking capacity, and enhanced accessibility.
A new academic building, located across Michigan Avenue and connected to the existing campus by a glass-enclosed bridge, expands the school’s academic space by 50%. The modern facility supports an all-laptop learning environment and incorporates the latest educational technology. A state-of-the-art performing arts complex featuring traditional and black box theaters will also serve as a resource for the broader community.
The master plan was designed to achieve LEED Silver certification, reinforcing De La Salle Institute’s commitment to sustainability.