Since 1871 Abraham Lincoln Elementary has been educating students in the Lincoln Park community of Chicago IL.  The school is located in the third-largest school district in the nation and has an attendance of almost 900 students.  They also have a classroom greenhouse on the second story.

The greenhouse was built on an area of the rooftop that was unused. The school leaders saw an opportunity to turn that piece of the roof into a learning space and the plans were drawn up.  Crystal Structures built a very sturdy classroom greenhouse that is up to the building codes in place at the time.  In addition, a canopy was built that provides shelter from the door to the greenhouse and a place for solar panels.  The 6 Sharp brand solar panels along with the greenhouse help the school meet green building standards.

The additional rooftop space was used to grow plants outside as well – the children love spending time on the roof under the sun.  And, in bad weather, inside the greenhouse. It’s a growing experience for everyone.

Contractor: FH Paschens/S N Nielson Inc.

CSI Code 13 34 13.13

Setting the framework

Canopy with solar panels

Celebration inside the greenhouse

Planting on the rooftop

The view from the street, 2 stories below

Finished Greenhouse

Our project #24200