St. Theresa Parish & School

Palatine, Illinois

A comprehensive master plan for this Catholic Parish campus addresses existing challenges with accessibility, visibility, and flooding, while undertaking significant school renovations.

Enhancing Accessibility and Visibility

The master plan strategically reorients main entrances for the church, administration, and school buildings to the street side. This change will significantly enhance visibility and accessibility, making key buildings easily identifiable and reachable for all visitors.

Addressing Flooding and Sustainable Solutions

Initial implementation focused on resolving annual flooding in the school’s lower level. Solutions included re-pitching school roofs to direct water away from an outdoor courtyard, constructing a new multi-purpose addition as a waterproof barrier, and introducing a rain garden at the front of the school for sustainable drainage.

Comprehensive School Renovation

The school underwent a comprehensive renovation, including updated classrooms and restrooms, and the addition of two new kindergarten classrooms. New science and music classrooms, a library, administrative offices, and a faculty lounge were also added. A new shared entrance addition connects the school and parish administration, improving connectivity and adding substantial security improvements for both buildings.