Coal City, Illinois. Coal City Community Unit School District #1 celebrated the completion of major restoration and renovation work at Coal City Intermediate School with a dedication ceremony and guided tours on Wednesday, August 5th.
The event marked the reopening and transformation of the school’s gymnasium and band room following a significant structural repair effort that began after concerns were identified within the building’s roof truss system. What began as an unexpected challenge evolved into an opportunity for the district to invest in updated, safe, and modernized spaces.
Highlights of the project include:
- Structural, masonry, and mechanical upgrades throughout the impacted area
- A reconstructed gymnasium with new athletic flooring, LED lighting, and basketball standards
- A new first-floor band room replacing the former stage area
- Acoustic ceiling clouds, updated ductwork, and energy-efficient lighting
“This project represents the resilience and commitment of our school community,” said Superintendent Christopher Spencer. “Throughout this process, our students, staff, families, and community remained focused on creating the best possible outcome for the students of Coal City schools. We are excited to welcome everyone back into these renewed spaces.”
Throughout the construction process, students, faculty, and staff were housed in other district facilities for the majority of the 2024-2025 school year and the entirety of the 2025-2026 school, all while the district maintained it’s commitment to excellent educational delivery. The dedication ceremony celebrates not only the completed renovations but also the resilience and commitment of the Coal City school community.
The district partnered with Design-Builder, Performance Services throughout the emergency repair and reconstruction process to restore the facility safely and efficiently.
