Introduction to CPS’ Sale of Closed Schools
More than half of the 20 former school sites made available for redevelopment by Chicago Public Schools are on the South Side — including the renovated Wadsworth Elementary School that most recently served as a migrant shelter. Some of the sites, including the former Armstrong, Kohn, Parkman, and Ross schools, have been vacant since the Chicago Board of Education voted in 2013 to close them in the largest mass closure of public schools in U.S. history.
Condition of the Properties
Many of the properties have deteriorated for the past 12 years and require the district to pay for regular maintenance and security, officials said. “These schools are no longer in great condition,” district property manager Jason Powell said. “Over time, they’ve been broken into, vandalized, stripped; people take electric, people take plumbing, break windows, any number of things.”
The Former Wadsworth Site
The former Wadsworth site at 6420 S. University Ave. in Woodlawn has the highest minimum bid of any of the sites at $3 million. Powell described the 120,000-square-foot building as being “in very good shape.” Wadsworth moved to 6650 S. Ellis Ave. in 2013 as it combined with Dumas Elementary School. The University Avenue building has not hosted a school since the University of Chicago’s charter school moved out in 2017, though it served as a migrant shelter from February 2023 until spring 2024.
Community-Led Process for Renovating Vacant Schools
Shortly after the Wadsworth shelter opened, organizers with the #SanctuaryForAll campaign demanded the city help redevelop the building “into a community resource that can be used after the asylum seekers leave.” Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20th) in 2023 called for a community-led process for renovating vacant schools in her ward after she said former Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration “blindsided” her with its Wadsworth shelter plans.
Bidding Process and Requirements
CPS is accepting bids through 4 p.m. May 30, and bidders are “strongly encouraged” to obtain a letter of recommendation from the local alderperson and school board members. The school district is looking to sell the properties to developers of projects that can create “tangible community benefits” like low-income or senior housing, public green space or space for community programs, said real estate director Stephen Stults.
The blacktop behind Henson Elementary in North Lawndale where students used to play. The school is one of 20 Chicago Public Schools has made available for sale, with bids accepted through May 30. Credit: Becky Vevea/Chalkbeat
Restrictions on Repurposing Properties
For now, the properties cannot be repurposed for any K-12 school. However, CPS may change that restriction to only ban charter schools from the sites in case “a private school were interested in purchasing,” Stults said. The winning bidder must also either secure a certificate of occupancy — the city’s approval that the building is up to code — or demolish it within five years of receiving the deed, part of an effort to deter speculators from buying the properties.
The Former South Shore High School
The former South Shore High School, 7627 S. Constance Ave., was initially among the properties for sale. However, it was removed from CPS’ listings at the request of city officials, spokesperson Quan Vu said. Students moved out of the old South Shore High School in 2014 upon the opening of South Shore International College Preparatory High School, 1955 E. 75th St. The building most recently hosted a police and fire training facility.
The former South Shore High School, 7627 S. Constance Ave. Credit: Maxwell Evans/Block Club Chicago
Other South Side School Properties for Sale
Other South Side school properties for sale, and their minimum bids:
- Bontemps Elementary School, 1241 W. 58th St. in West Englewood, $50,000
- Bouchet Elementary School branch annex, 7401 S. Chappel Ave. in South Shore, $10,000
- Burnham Elementary School, 1903 E. 96th St. in South Deering, $100,000
- Burnham Elementary School branch, 9800 S. Torrence Ave. in South Deering, $75,000
- Calumet High School, 8131 S. May St. in Auburn Gresham, $2 million
- Fiske Elementary School, 6145 S. Ingleside Ave. in Woodlawn, $750,000
- Kohn Elementary School, 10401 S. Perry Ave. in Roseland, $25,000
- Kohn Elementary School annex, 10414 S. State St. in Roseland, $50,000
- Parkman Elementary School, 245 W. 51st St. in Fuller Park, $200,000
- Ross Elementary School, 6059 S. Wabash Ave. in Washington Park, $100,000
- Shedd Elementary School, 200 E. 99th St. in Roseland, $25,000
- Wentworth Elementary School, 6950 S. Sangamon St. in Englewood, $125,000
Conclusion
The sale of these properties presents an opportunity for redevelopment and community growth. However, it is crucial that the process is transparent and prioritizes the needs of the local community. By encouraging community-led projects and requiring tangible community benefits, CPS can ensure that these properties are repurposed in a way that benefits the surrounding neighborhoods.
FAQs
- What is the minimum bid for the former Wadsworth site?
The minimum bid for the former Wadsworth site is $3 million. - Can the properties be repurposed for K-12 schools?
Currently, the properties cannot be repurposed for any K-12 school, but CPS may change this restriction in the future. - What is the deadline for submitting bids?
Bids are accepted through 4 p.m. May 30. - What are the requirements for the winning bidder?
The winning bidder must either secure a certificate of occupancy or demolish the property within five years of receiving the deed.
