The expansive property currently housing the David C. Cook Publishing House in Elgin is poised to become the site of Elgin Area School District U-46’s newest elementary school. U-46 school board members have given their support to a purchase agreement for the property, spanning 9.16 acres at 850 N. Grove Ave., for $2.4 million.

Located four blocks west of McKinley Elementary School in Elgin, one of the district’s oldest establishments, the 1887-built McKinley Elementary occupies 2.4 acres. District officials find reconstruction or expansion at its current site challenging due to space constraints. Acquiring the publishing house property would enable the district to construct a modern facility to replace McKinley. Chief of Staff Brian Lindholm of U-46 described the publishing house property as unique, meeting the district’s acreage requirements, and available at a competitive price.

Acknowledging the historical and architectural significance of the publishing house property, once considered for landmark status by Elgin City Council members, Lindholm affirmed the district’s commitment to engaging with the Northeast Neighborhood Association in Elgin to understand their perspective and keep them informed of the district’s plans.

Lindholm indicated that a new elementary school to supplant McKinley could be operational as early as the 2027-2028 school year. This endeavor is part of a larger vision encompassing $380 million in building projects and improvements across the district in the coming years. Voter-approved borrowing of $179 million last year will facilitate the realization of these projects.