Borderless Studio, “Kohn School in Roseland,” Chicago, 2023. Digital photograph. © David Schalliol.
In 2013, Chicago witnessed the largest mass closing of public schools in United States history, presenting a significant challenge with three million square feet of unused space and over 100 acres of land across 25 neighborhoods concentrated in the West and South sides of Chicago. This publication, a decade later, delves into the systemic issues and inequities leading to these closings, examining the policies and processes that impacted communities. It also highlights community-led initiatives for just transformation and revitalization, featuring a comprehensive inventory of closed schools and case studies of selected projects, offering insights into equitable and inclusive frameworks for repurposing these spaces.
We are very excited to collaborate with Borderless Studio and Paola Aguirre, who is part of our board of advisors and a contributor to MAS Context.
For a complete list of the 2024 Graham Foundation grantees, please visit their website.