Ida Crown Jewish Academy

Ida Crown Jewish Academy (ICJA), a co-educational Modern Orthodox Jewish high school, retained Project Management Advisors, Inc. (PMA) to provide comprehensive project management services associated with their relocation and development of a new 100,000 square foot high school.  The school will be housed in the partially redeveloped former headquarters of the Rand McNally company.  The new and renovated spaces will include upgraded classrooms, lab space, meeting space, athletic facilities and worship space.  Additionally, the school intends to create semi-private outdoor courtyard spaces that can be used for informal gathering, or for outdoor classroom activities.

Project management challenges include finalizing acquisition of the property, obtaining the necessary entitlements, development of the most efficient and cost effective building design and the ongoing challenge of balancing the scope and budget objectives.  The new site will be subdivided, and a portion will be sold to allow for a compatible tax-generating residential development.

PMA coordinated the entitlement process including a zoning attorney, land-use expert and various specialty consultants.  ICJA recently obtained the necessary zoning changes and community approvals required for the redevelopment.  Design is currently on hold during ICJA fundraising. Construction duration is expected to be approximately 15 months.