Dore Elementary School

Continuing the capital improvement of an aging school system the Chicago Public School system initiated the design of Dore Elementary School. Located near an industrial/residential/airport landing path the school will be 115,000 SF of new construction. The academic area will be three floors of science, library, laboratory, music, and core subject classrooms. The gymnasium will be located on a structurally supported floor over the facility dining and kitchen spaces. Mechanical units located on the roof bring acoustic challenges to the project to maintain a progressive learning environment.

David Mason + Associates has been engaged to provide full structural engineering services. Using a structural steel framing system for gravity loads proved to be the most cost efficient. Lateral loads are resisted by a combination of masonry shear wall elements and structural steel braced bays. The gymnasium has a high volume, long span roof system with double pitched top chord premanufactured joists.