School Board Approves Demolition For Future Early Learning Center In Wheeling

The district continues preparing the site for construction of the new facility.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:05pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic alphabet block repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the expansion of early childhood education resources in the community.The demolition of a residential property marks an important step in the community's investment in early childhood education through the development of a new dedicated learning center.Wheeling Today

The Community Consolidated School District 21 Board of Education in Wheeling, Illinois has approved the demolition of a residential property at 2836 Hintz Road to make way for the future development of an Early Learning Center. The board authorized up to $90,000 in demolition expenses as the district takes steps to prepare the site for construction.

Why it matters

The new Early Learning Center is intended to enhance early childhood education opportunities across the Wheeling community. Demolishing the existing home is a necessary step to clear the land and ready it for the construction of the new facility.

The details

The property includes a single-family home that the district purchased in 2025 as part of a multi-property acquisition tied to the Early Learning Center project. The district has completed several required steps before demolition, including developing a demolition plan, disconnecting utilities, removing the well and septic systems, conducting asbestos testing, and securing permits. Contractors have been engaged to carry out the demolition and restore the land afterward, which will include installation of silt and construction fencing.

  • The board authorized demolition expenses not to exceed $90,000.
  • Demolition is expected to take place in April.

The players

Community Consolidated School District 21

The school district in Wheeling, Illinois that is overseeing the development of the new Early Learning Center.

Dr. Michael Connolly

The superintendent of Community Consolidated School District 21.

Arcon and Associates

The architectural firm working with the district on the Early Learning Center project.

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What they’re saying

“This is an important milestone as we continue to invest in early childhood education and expand opportunities for our youngest learners. Preparing this site brings us one step closer to creating a dedicated space designed to support student growth and success from the very beginning.”

— Dr. Michael Connolly, Superintendent

What’s next

The district is also coordinating with the Wheeling police and fire departments as part of the demolition process, and those departments will use the structure for training exercises before it is demolished.

The takeaway

The demolition of the residential property is a necessary step in the district's efforts to expand early childhood education opportunities in Wheeling. The new Early Learning Center will provide a dedicated facility designed to support student growth and success from an early age.