Parkview Elementary School Celebrates Completion of First Phase of Major Addition and Renovation Project

Community Unit School District 300 celebrated the completion of the first phase of the Parkview Elementary School Addition & Renovation project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Carpentersville. The newly completed 17,600-square-foot addition will welcome approximately 500 students back for the new school year, providing enhanced learning spaces, improved safety features, specialized student support areas, a new media center, and a dynamic outdoor learning environment. As additional renovation phases continue through 2027, the project represents a significant investment in supporting students, educators, staff, and families for generations to come.

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Safety Is Built Into Everything We Do

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As Organizations Across the Country Participate in OSHA Safe + Sound Week, Lamp Reflects on the Team Effort Behind a Strong Safety Culture

Pictured left to right: Ian Lamp, President of Lamp Incorporated; Greg Lamp, Safety Director, Project Manager, and Estimator; and Tom Cuculich, Executive Director of Chicagoland Associated General Contractors (CAGC). Industry recognition reflects the commitment of Lamp’s employees, field teams, project managers, and trade partners who make safety a priority on every project.

As organizations across the country participate in OSHA Safe + Sound Week (August 10-16), Lamp Incorporated is taking the opportunity to recognize the people who make workplace safety possible every day.

Safety is more than a program or a requirement. It is a commitment shared by our employees, field leaders, trade partners, and project teams on every jobsite.

Safety has been, and always will be, a core value at Lamp. While many project successes are measured by quality, schedule, and budget, we believe an equally important measure of success is ensuring that every employee returns home safely at the end of the day.

That commitment has been recognized through multiple industry safety awards over the years. Most recently, Lamp received the 2026 AGC Safety Recognition Award for achieving zero incidents in 2025. Lamp Incorporated also received the 2025 Chicagoland Associated General Contractors (CAGC) Safety Recognition Award for achieving zero incidents in 2024. In fact, Lamp has been recognized for achieving zero incidents in four of the past five years, reflecting the company’s long-standing commitment to safety.

While industry recognition is appreciated, awards tell only part of the story.

The real story is the culture behind them.

Construction projects are constantly evolving environments where conditions can change from one hour to the next. Maintaining a safe workplace requires planning, communication, awareness, and accountability from everyone on site. It requires individuals who understand that safety is not a box to check at the beginning of the day, but a responsibility carried throughout every task and every project.

At Lamp, safety begins long before work starts. Through planning, training, jobsite discussions, hazard awareness, and open communication, our teams work together to create an environment where everyone is empowered to speak up, identify concerns, and help prevent incidents before they occur.

A strong safety record does not happen because of one person, one policy, or one training session. It is the result of people making safety a priority every day.

That includes field personnel, superintendents, project managers, office staff, and trade partners who work together to ensure projects are completed safely and successfully.

A key part of maintaining that culture is strong leadership.

As Lamp’s Safety Director, Project Manager, and Estimator, Greg Lamp brings both extensive education and hands-on construction experience to the company’s safety program. Having progressed through multiple roles in the construction industry, from yard foreman and superintendent to project management and safety leadership, Greg understands the realities of the jobsite and the importance of practical, proactive safety measures.

His extensive training includes the Construction Safety Council’s 145-hour Safety Administrator Course, as well as certifications in OSHA 30-Hour, Fall Protection, Confined Space Entry, Excavation Safety, NFPA 70E, First Aid/CPR/AED, and many other specialized safety disciplines.

In addition to his project responsibilities, Greg has shared his expertise through industry and educational involvement, including past service on the Chicagoland AGC Safety Committee and his continued service on McHenry County College’s Construction Management Program Advisory Committee.

Yet even with those credentials, Greg is quick to point out that safety success is never achieved by one individual.

The safety culture Lamp has built is the result of a collective effort. It reflects the commitment of employees throughout the organization who take the time to carefully plan work, identify potential hazards, communicate concerns, follow established procedures, and look out for one another.

Whether it’s conducting pre-task planning, coordinating work activities, maintaining safe work areas, or simply speaking up when something doesn’t look right, every team member plays a role in creating a safer workplace.

That shared commitment is what OSHA’s Safe + Sound Week is designed to recognize and celebrate.

The AGC and CAGC Safety Recognition Awards are meaningful milestones, but they ultimately reflect something larger: a culture built on accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, and a shared commitment to protecting one another.

We thank every employee, trade partner, client, and project stakeholder who contributes to that culture each day.

Because at the end of every project, success is measured by more than what we build.

It is measured by ensuring everyone goes home safely.

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Hynes Elementary School Additions and Renovations Groundbreaking

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Lamp Incorporated Celebrates Groundbreaking for Hynes Elementary School Additions and Renovations

Morton Grove, Illinois — June 5, 2026 — Lamp Incorporated joined Golf School District 67 school leadership, board members, state and local officials, students, and community members to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Hynes Elementary School additions and renovations project.

Despite rainy conditions, the day was filled with energy as students helped mark the occasion by wearing ceremonial hard hats and participating in the event.

The project represents a significant investment in the district’s future, addressing enrollment growth while enhancing safety, functionality, and modern learning environments for students and staff.

The scope of work includes additions to the administration and media center, expanded classrooms and student support spaces, and improvements to site circulation for parent and bus traffic. The project will also remove existing mobile classrooms to better support long-term district needs, along with HVAC replacements and modifications throughout the building.

“These improvements are designed to create a more secure, efficient, and engaging learning environment for students,” said Chad Alexander, Vice President of Operations, Lamp Incorporated. “The project reflects the district’s commitment to meeting current needs while planning thoughtfully for the future.”

Lamp Incorporated is the construction manager working alongside Golf School District 67 and the project team to deliver a facility that supports evolving educational programming and enhances the overall school experience.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Golf School District 67 and honored to be part of the team bringing this vision to life,” said Ian C. Lamp, President, Lamp Incorporated. “It was especially meaningful to celebrate alongside the students whose daily experiences will be directly impacted by these improvements.”

Construction will begin soon, with phased work planned to minimize disruption to ongoing school operations.

The Hynes Elementary School project underscores the value of investing in educational facilities that support student growth, community needs, and long-term success.

About Lamp Incorporated 

Lamp Incorporated, founded in 1933 by Clifford Lamp, is a third-generation, family-owned and operated construction services firm based in Elgin, Illinois. Serving clients throughout Northern Illinois and the greater Chicago region, Lamp provides preconstruction, construction management, general contracting, and design/build services across a diverse range of sectors, including education, healthcare, municipal, commercial, industrial, and religious facilities. Known for its collaborative approach and commitment to community engagement, Lamp partners closely with clients to deliver high-quality projects that create lasting value and strengthen the communities it serves.

Media Contact: 

Ms. Kari Christensen

Marketing & Communications

kchristensen@lampinc.net

(847) 741-7220 x 315

 

Attached photos are courtesy of DLA Architects, Ltd.

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Dundee-Crown High School Additions and Renovations Groundbreaking

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Lamp Incorporated Celebrates Groundbreaking for Dundee-Crown High School Additions and Renovations

Carpentersville, Illinois — June 4, 2026 — Lamp Incorporated joined Community Unit District 300, Dundee-Crown High School leadership, government officials, students, and community members to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Dundee-Crown High School additions and renovations project.

This multi-year project is a major investment in Dundee-Crown’s future, expanding and modernizing learning environments to support evolving educational programs.

The enhancements will improve both academic and career-focused spaces, creating more functional and collaborative areas for students and staff.

The project includes a 33,900-square-foot Career and Technical Education addition, a 13,700-square-foot administration and student commons addition, and 47,000 square feet of interior renovations.

Construction will be phased to modernize academic, administrative, kitchen, cafeteria, learning media center, and student commons spaces while keeping the school operational.

“These improvements will create modern, flexible spaces that support hands-on learning and evolving educational programs,” said Chad Alexander, Vice President of Operations, Lamp Incorporated. “It’s exciting to see a project like this move forward after much planning and begin taking shape for the students and staff who will benefit from it.”

Lamp Incorporated is the construction manager and continues its long-standing partnership with Community Unit District 300. The team will work closely with the district and project partners to deliver a facility that meets current student needs and supports future growth.

“We are grateful for our continued partnership with District 300 and honored to be part of the team helping bring this long-awaited vision to life,” said Ian C. Lamp, President, Lamp Incorporated. “This project will create meaningful opportunities for students and enhance the overall school environment for years to come.”

Construction will soon begin and proceed in phases through July 2029 to minimize disruption to school operations.

The Dundee-Crown High School project highlights the importance of investing in educational facilities that promote student success, workforce development, and strong communities.

About Lamp Incorporated 

Lamp Incorporated, founded in 1933 by Clifford Lamp, is a third-generation, family-owned and operated construction services firm based in Elgin, Illinois. Serving clients throughout Northern Illinois and the greater Chicago region, Lamp provides preconstruction, construction management, general contracting, and design/build services across a diverse range of sectors, including education, healthcare, municipal, commercial, industrial, and religious facilities. Known for its collaborative approach and commitment to community engagement, Lamp partners closely with clients to deliver high-quality projects that create lasting value and strengthen the communities it serves.

Media Contact: 

Ms. Kari Christensen

Marketing & Communications

kchristensen@lampinc.net

(847) 741-7220 x 315

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Press Release: Chris Palmer – August 21, 2023

Lamp Incorporated Superintendent Recognized for Act of Heroism

West Dundee Fire Chief, Michael Spiro, Recognizes Lamp Incorporated Superintendent Chris Palmer with Lamplighter Award for Act of Heroism at Dundee Middle School

West Dundee, IL—On August 21, 2023, Chris Palmer, a Project Superintendent who’s been with the Elgin, IL-based construction management firm Lamp Incorporated since 2006, was presented with the Lamplighter Award by West Dundee Fire Chief Michael Spiro during the Village of West Dundee Regular Board meeting for his act of heroism during a fire-related incident at Dundee Middle School, West Dundee, IL on July 12, 2023.

As explained in Fire Chief Michael Spiro’s memo to the Village Board of the Village of West Dundee:

“On July 12, 2023, a fire broke out within the premises of Dundee Middle School due to a malfunction in a piece of electrical equipment. The situation escalated rapidly, and the potential for extensive damage was imminent. In the face of this emergency, Mr. Palmer was on site as part of a construction crew working in the facility. Despite being unrelated to the ongoing work, Mr. Palmer exhibited the extraordinary presence of mind and selflessness by immediately shutting off the malfunctioning equipment’s power supply.”

Fire Chief Spiro’s full memo to the Village Board can be read by visiting WDundee.org and locating the Board Meeting Agenda for the Regular Meeting on Monday, August 21, 2023, at 7:30 PM.

As highlighted by Fire Chief Spiro, Mr. Palmer’s “quick thinking and courageous intervention…prevented the fire from spreading further,” allowing the firefighting team to “minimize potential hazards to [the] community,” ultimately ensuring a timely start of the 2023/24 school year at Dundee Middle School.

Left to Right: Ian Lamp, President; Chris Palmer, Proj. Superintendent; Steve Lamp, Secretary/Treasurer

West Dundee Village President Chris Nelson created the Lamplighter Award. The distinguished award typically recognizes Village employees who go above and beyond the call of duty bi-annually. Village employees or residents submit award nominations. Source: Sauder, E. (2016, January). Village gives fourth Lamplighter Award to West Dundee firefighter. Chicago Tribune. ChicagoTribune.com.

Although this award is typically reserved for Village employees, two exceptions were made on Monday, August 21, 2023, honoring two who are not Village employees—Mr. Frank Huerta, an employee of Bleu Root restaurant, and Mr. Chris Palmer. The full memos detailing both awards are in the abovementioned Board Meeting Agenda.

It’s Lamp Incorporated’s mission to “Provide Construction Services that Always Exceed Customer Expectations,” and Mr. Palmer’s selfless act of heroism is a perfect example of the level of service provided by Lamp Incorporated since Clifford Lamp started the company in 1933 (then known as Lamp Construction).

“We’re extremely proud of Chris and how he responded to the call of action,” said Ian Lamp, President of Lamp Incorporated. Mr. Lamp further explained that “we train our team to be safe and what to do in a time of need hoping the time never comes. The incident did arise, and the training Chris received allowed him to properly handle the situation to keep lives safe and to minimize damage to the building.”

Everyone at Lamp Incorporated is very proud of Mr. Palmer and grateful to West Dundee Fire Chief Spiro and the Village of West Dundee President and Board for taking the time to recognize Mr. Palmer’s efforts. At Lamp Incorporated, teamwork and communication are the foundation for success.

ABOUT LAMP INCORPORATED: Lamp Incorporated, founded in 1933 by Clifford Lamp (then known as Lamp Construction), is a third-generation family-owned and operated construction services company based in Elgin, IL. Lamp Incorporated serves public and commercial clients in education, health care, municipal, industrial, and religion, specializing in construction management, design/build, general construction, integrated project delivery, and project management.

 

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DISTRICT 300 DEBUTS NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AS STUDENTS RETURN FROM SUMMER BREAK

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DISTRICT 300 DEBUTS NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AS STUDENTS RETURN FROM SUMMER BREAK

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HAMPSHIRE — Since January 2021, officials from Community Unit School District 300 (D300) have been working hard to finalize plans for the construction of a brand-new elementary school.

At the Feb. 22 D300 Board of Education meeting, it was announced that the new school would be named Big Timber Elementary School. Its mascot, the Badger, was announced a few months later in May.

The official groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Big Timber took place back in April, with officials stating that “the new elementary school is a proactive measure to address capacity issues resulting from population growth in the western portion of the district.”

Big Timber, which is located at 1400 S. Ridgecrest Drive in Hampshire, currently houses students in kindergarten through fifth grade, primarily from the villages of Hampshire and Pingree Grove.

The building measures 86,260 square feet across two stories and includes 40 classrooms, a gym, a library, and a media center.

According to district officials, the school cost $30.8 million to build, however, the construction did not create an increased community tax burden due to the existing fund balance and the issuance of debt certificates that were paid for out of the district’s existing operating funds.

Various D300 officials were able to tour the completed elementary school building in July before the school welcomed students back from summer vacation on Tuesday, Aug. 16.

Students also got to meet their school principal Brittany Porsche, who was approved by the D300 Board of Education in October 2021.

“I am extremely honored to serve as the principal of Big Timber. We have the opportunity to create a school culture from the ground up! At Big Timber Elementary School, we will work as a team to provide a safe and positive learning experience for all students,” stated Porsche in a message to parents of students.

She continued, “As a staff, we will strive to create an environment where everyone is welcomed and included, and our students have the foundation needed to be college and career ready. It is essential that we prepare our students to positively influence our community and world as members of a global society.”

Additionally, Big Timber students were welcomed to their new school building by members of the Hampshire Fire Protection District.

“I am proud to be a part of the Big Timber Elementary School journey and share this upcoming school year with you and your child. Thank you for allowing us to nurture, encourage, and challenge your child as we begin the 2022-2023 school year,” added Porsche in her message.

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ECC To Build Multi-Million-Dollar Manufacturing Center

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We are grateful for the opportunity to oversee the construction of a project that will have a tremendous and positive impact on the future of our community. It truly takes teamwork to make the dream work, and we are proud to be a part of this team. Read more below from Kane County Connects.

ECC To Build Multi-Million-Dollar Manufacturing Center

Kane County Connects Staff 8/25/2022 9:00AM

​Elgin Community College is moving forward with plans to build a multi-million-dollar manufacturing center.

The $55 million-dollar training facility will give students expanded opportunities to learn  high-skill, in-demand jobs in a variety of careers in the manufacturing sector.

Cathy Taylor, Dean of the Sustainability, Business and Career Technologies Division, tells the Elgin Courier, the new building will house ECC’s programs for heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration (HVAC-R); energy management; industrial maintenance; mechatronics; and CNC (computer numerical control) along with two new courses in pipe welding and quality technician.

According to the Courier, the college recognized the need for the new building several years ago when they had to create a waiting list for students wanting to enroll in some of the manufacturing programs.

“The need for space was further exacerbated when local employers offered donations to the college to educate and train students and workers for manufacturing related jobs and careers, but we were challenged to find space,” Taylor told the paper.

The new manufacturing center will be built near ECC’s main entrance on property that used to be the site of the Colonial Café at Spartan Dr. and McLean Boulevard.

Source: Elgin Community College Board minutes/ Elgin Courier News. ​

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Cary Park District – Sunburst Bay Aquatic Center Complete!

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Cary Park District – Sunburst Bay Aquatic Center Complete!

It takes everyone working as a team to make these projects run smoothly. Great teamwork!

Here’s an overview of the project:

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Darren Thibert – September 9, 2021

Darren Thibert, ASA’s Outstanding General Contractor Superintendent (2020)

“Darren always makes sure that the best scenario possible is at play so everyone involved can do their part safely and without delay.”

The stars were certainly shining last night in Mount Prospect at Victoria in the Park for the Association of Subcontractors and Affiliates (ASA) Chicago’s 26th Annual Awards Evening and GC Council Recognition.

ASA Chicago is a nonprofit association serving subcontractors with networking opportunities, education, and advocacy within the construction industry.

Last night, the ASA Chicago recognized several individuals and projects for the impact and contributions made from 2020 to 2021, including our very own Darren Thibert, Project Superintendent.

ASA Award Night - Darren Thibert
ASA Award Night - Ian Lamp, Chad Alexander, Darren Thibert, Steve Lamp
ASA Award Night - Darren Thibert
ASA Award Night - Darren Thibert
ASA Award Night - Darren and Sue Thibert
ASA Chicago - Our Stars Are Shining
Darren Thibert and Wife Sue - ASA Chicago's 26th Annual Awards Evening
Darren Thibert, Award Acceptance - ASA Chicago's 26th Annual Awards Evening
Darren Thibert ASA Outstanding General Contractor Superintendent for 2020
Darren Thibert ASA General Contractor Superintendent for 2021
ASA Chicago Outstanding General Contractor Superintendent 2020

About Darren Thibert

Darren Thibert has been a carpenter since graduating high school 36 years ago and a superintendent for 17 years. Darren is grateful for all those who helped lift and guide him and honors those people he respects by doing for others what so many have done for him.

Darren Thibert (ASA Chicago 26th Annual Awards Ceremony)

Darren Thibert

If anyone is struggling on a job site, Darren will always step up and provide help—no matter what the task is at hand. Darren knows that it takes everyone to get a job done—and not simply done, but done to the owner’s expectations—the first time, on time, and on budget. Darren always makes sure that the best scenario possible is at play so everyone involved can do their part safely and without delay.

Darren is a forward-thinking problem solver. When he learns of issues, he doesn’t simply go to the architects and engineers looking for answers. Darren’s first move when encountering issues is to come up with a viable solution and then will look to others for their insight. If everyone is putting forth their best effort then workers, subcontractors, and owners stay happy and projects move forward smoothly on schedule.

In speaking with Darren, you will quickly realize that his passion is his work. But, when Darren is not working or helping others in his community by offering his carpentry skills he enjoys outdoor activities, riding his motorcycle with his wife Sue, and barbequing with friends and family at home (the home he very proudly built). Darren is also very proud of his two daughters who are now working toward building their careers—one in Illinois and one in Colorado.

 

The advertisement featured (see image gallery) in the evening’s program displays a few of Darren’s recent projects, including the recently completed May Whitney Elementary School (District 95, Lake Zurich, IL).

Thank you, Darren, for being an outstanding member of the Lamp Incorporated team –

we are proud of you and your work!

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Hawthorn 73 celebrates completion of new kindergarten facility

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Hawthorn School District 73 officials this week cut the ribbon on a new $13.5 million kindergarten learning center earlier this week, culminating more than two years worth of work.

The new facility will be occupied by almost all of the district’s kindergartners, but will be operated remotely for at least the start of its inaugural year.

The Hawthorn School for Young Learners, located next to the Sullivan Center on Aspen Drive, was created to help alleviate space concerns at the district’s other elementary schools, drawing 265 students and 40 staff to the new facility, the district stated in a release. The only elementary-level school it will not draw from is the School of Dual Language, District Spokeswoman Leslie Piotrowski said.

The ribbon cutting was headlined by multiple local officials, including District 73 Board of Education President Robin Cleek and Jill Martin, the facility’s first principal, who is also the former principal of Hawthorn Elementary South. Superintendent Peter Hannigan also spoke, along with Vernon Hills Board Member Thom Koch and Dave Doerhoefer from the Vernon Hills Park District, which is located next door to the learning center.

“This moment has been a long time coming,” Cleek said. “We identified the need to add space more than three years ago . . . We’re grateful for the backing from the community, and hope to hold an open house for everyone once it’s safe to do so.”

Jake Scheuring, the school’s new music teacher, closed out the event with the school song, which he also wrote. Officials then cut the blue ribbon at the front of the school.

Officials at the event were optimistic about the school’s future, but the announcement was tinged with the coronavirus pandemic, which officials noted forced the district’s schools to close in March during Hannigan’s first year at the helm. The new facility, along with the district’s other schools, will operate remotely for at least the first part of the new year as well.

Martin spoke about the benefits of consolidating the district’s first-year learners, saying it will provide an opportunity to bring more consistency to the students in terms of curriculum. It also will help them plan events around that age group, she said.

Originally approved for $13.5 million in early 2019, the 41,000-square-foot facility was a collaboration between District 73, the Village of Vernon Hills, the Vernon Hills Park District and The Cook Memorial Public Library District, the release states.

The facility itself is two stories and houses 16 classrooms, which are interconnected with makerspaces, collaboration spaces, as well as reading and math centers, the release states. It also connects to the Sullivan Community Center Gym, and has a playground.

The project was voted on in a November 2018 referendum, and construction broke on the facility in May 2019, the release states. Officials said the building was designed with flexibility as a key theme. Various elements in the classrooms, for example, are able to be moved and regrouped depending on the activity.

The project is also part of a larger $48.7 million initiative, titled the “Educational Facilities Master Plan.” Currently, the district is working towards renovations at Middle School North and Elementary South. Middle School North will see $9.4 million worth of changes in the form of additional classrooms, a full gym, a music room, two STEM labs and a locker room, Piotrowski said. The building is expected to open by fall of 2021.

At the Aug. 13 board meeting, officials were given a presentation for the changes coming to Elementary South. They include a full gym with a shared fitness and band area, an orchestra room, a choral room, art rooms and a focus on bringing more natural light into the building, Piotrowski said.

Scheuring, who will be working his first official teaching job, said despite the remote learning start, he is excited.

“There are lots of wonderful opportunities to do amazing things with our children and to inspire them to continue learning throughout the pandemic or any situation,” Scheuring said. “I just love that that is a philosophy and a part of this school (and district).”

Hawthorn 73 serves more than 4,200 students predominantly in the central Lake County area. They range from preschool to eighth grade.

Article courtesy of the Daily Herald

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