Stadium is ‘competition ready,’ tower building work is underway, and more New Trier renovation updates

New Trier High School students will return this school year to buildings and facilities that look a bit different from just a few months ago, as several summer construction projects are complete or near-complete at both campuses.

School Board members and the community received an update on those projects, plus a look at what may be up next, during the board’s regular meeting on Monday, Aug. 18.

Athletic fields

At the Northfield campus, the first phase of renovations on the school’s primary athletic fields is nearly complete, with Deputy Superintendent Chris Johnson saying work should wrap up by Saturday, Aug. 23.

As previously reported by The Record, New Trier received a $10 million anonymous donation, the largest gift in the school’s history, to fund the renovations, which are highlighted by turf replacement at the stadium and adjacent fields.

The project began this summer, and Johnson said Monday evening that the stadium’s turf replacement is complete and it is competition ready.

The goal posts will be replaced later this fall, he added.

The field hockey and multipurpose fields are nearly complete as well, with the field hockey turf being glued in place and the final work includes seam work on the end zones and the installation of the New Trier logos.

Johnson said the new scoreboards have been ordered and will be installed once they arrive.

Phase 2 of the project will be done next summer and include the conversion of the northern grass fields into two turf fields; the replacement of the existing track; the replacement of the visitor’s stadium bleachers and press box, scoreboards, and stormwater work.

Johnson also said the athletic staff are proposing the addition of a community walking path to the remodel.

“What we’re proposing is that walking path, which is almost twice the distance of the (existing) track, would have six fitness stations and 12 pieces of outdoor strength, flexibility, cardio equipment that would be open to all ages and ability levels,” he said.

The proposed walking path would be open for community members when athletic teams aren’t using it, and it would be fenced with three access points.

“We think (the path) has significant community potential and would be welcomed by our neighbors,” Johnson said.

North and tower building remodel

The Winnetka campus continues to see upgrades as work began on the multi-year renovation project for the north and tower buildings, which were built in the 1930s and 1950s, respectively.

The remodel is the latest major project at the Winnetka campus, with the west and east sides being rebuilt over the last 10 years.

The upcoming project is proposing 10 new science labs, which is a net increase of three; relocated campus administration, student services and security to the main floor by the north entrance; and a new reception area for students and guests.

Johnson said work began this summer with asbestos abatement, some existing interior-structure demolition, and security and technology upgrades.

“During the year, construction will continue on our science labs, and our new principal’s office will open in January 2026,” he said.

Renovations will really begin to take shape a year from now, according to Johnson, when he said five of the new science labs and additional offices will open, along with a new secure vestibule and a remodeled vestibule that connects the north and east buildings, the latter of which was completed in 2023.

The renovation is expected to be finished in August 2027.

Unlike the west- and east-side projects, Johnson said, the current project will be phased.

“And the reason it’s phased is because it’s really at the center of the campus, and we have to make sure we’re doing it in a safe and efficient manner so we can still conduct school on the campus,” he said, adding that the renovation will not impact student programming.

A new proposed change is converting the existing second floor rotunda to the Nobel Rotunda, named after late New Trier alumnus and Nobel Prize winner in physics Dr. Jack Steinberger, who had donated his Nobel Prize to the school. It would be displayed in the rotunda, which is being proposed as a collaborative space for science students.

Other projects and the future

Johnson also highlighted more projects completed over the summer.

Solar panels were installed at the Winnetka campus, and the 1-megawatt system powers about 10% of the campus. Johnson said the panels, which are expected to last around 20 years, were installed on recently replaced roofs.

Masonry work was also done at the Winnetka campus, in addition to the replacement of interior water mains and plumbing equipment. Johnson said the plumbing project completed its first phase ahead of schedule and the team was able to finish about 75% of the second phase.

As for future projects, board members approved a $1.4 million project to create a new serving area at the Northfield campus cafeteria, which is set to finish next summer. Johnson reported that Quest Food Services, the district’s food provider, will provide $700,000 for the project.

The project will convert an unused dish room with antiquated equipment into an area for grab-and-go snacks, beverages and freshly prepared food.

Johnson also said that this year, the facilities team will reexamine the 15-year facilities plan, which was adopted in 2019 and provides a framework for future renovations.

“We’re about halfway through it and we’ve checked off quite a few boxes in it,” he said. “And it’s just time to step back and think about what the next 15 years look like so we can continue to think about what those (facility) needs are.”

The plan will be created with input from staff, students, parents and other stakeholders, and will be presented to the School Board this spring.

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