Hinsdale Central High School is moving forward with a long-anticipated renovation of its athletic center, marking a major investment in student wellness, high-performance training, and long-term facility improvement. The approximately $6 million project centers on expanding, modernizing, and reconfiguring the Bouchard Center to meet the increasing demands of physical education programs, varsity sports, and year-round student activities.
The athletic center overhaul aims to eliminate long-standing capacity issues while providing students and athletes with a modern, functional space. The facility, originally built in 2008, now needs significant upgrades to keep pace with growing usage. The renovation will expand the existing weight-training room and relocate several athletic-training functions from the basement to larger, more accessible spaces on the main level. Plans also call for new team rooms and upgraded locker facilities designed to support multiple teams at once.
Additional restrooms, new finishes, and updated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems will improve operational efficiency and user experience. The center will feature improved circulation, durable materials suited for high-traffic athletic environments, and better lighting and ventilation. Architectural and engineering design work will further refine the layout before construction begins.
District 86 has issued a formal Request for Proposals, with an evaluation team reviewing submissions from architects, engineers, and contractors. The district expects to select a project team before the end of 2025. Community fundraising efforts have also been ongoing to support the project’s total cost, which includes design fees, equipment, and other soft costs.
Patch reports that construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2026, aligning with fundraising timelines and aiming to minimize disruptions to school operations. The project is expected to proceed in phases, allowing portions of the athletic program to continue while renovations are underway.
Renovating an active school facility presents a unique set of construction challenges. Demolition and reconfiguration of existing spaces must be carefully staged to avoid disrupting classes and athletic schedules. Structural assessments will determine where walls can be removed, expanded, or reinforced. New mechanical systems must support higher occupancy levels, intense athletic activity, and constant year-round use.
Code-compliant ventilation, enhanced accessibility features, and updated safety measures will be central to the design strategy. Upgrades to restrooms and locker rooms will require significant plumbing improvements, while new high-efficiency lighting and electrical systems will support expanded training equipment and audiovisual resources.
A wide range of skilled trades will be required throughout the renovation, creating employment opportunities and ensuring the athletic center is built to modern standards. Key trades include:
Excavation crews and demolition teams
Concrete and masonry workers
Structural steel and ironworkers
Carpenters and drywall installers
Electricians and low-voltage technicians
Plumbers and pipefitters
HVAC installers and sheet-metal mechanics
Fire protection and sprinkler installers
Glaziers and window installers (for any exterior improvements)
Flooring installers, painters, and finish carpenters
Locker, equipment, and accessory installers
Landscape and exterior hardscape crews
Project managers, safety inspectors, and quality-control staff
These trades will work in coordination with architects, engineers, and school administrators to deliver a safe, efficient, and high-quality upgrade.
For Hinsdale Central, the renovated Bouchard Center will offer far more than cosmetic improvements. Students will experience safer and more spacious workout areas, modern equipment layouts, and improved team facilities. Coaches and trainers will benefit from better circulation, enhanced storage, and dedicated treatment spaces that support injury prevention and recovery.
The renovation also demonstrates the district’s commitment to community partnership. Fundraising, donor involvement, and collaboration with residents ensure that the project reflects shared priorities. Once complete, the updated athletic center will serve PE classes, varsity teams, and community groups for years to come, preserving the school’s reputation for excellence in athletics and wellness programming.
The next major milestones include selecting the design and construction team, completing final plans, securing funding commitments, and preparing for the start of construction in 2026. If the project proceeds on schedule, Hinsdale Central could have one of the region’s most advanced high-school athletic facilities by 2027.
The Bouchard Center renovation will provide students with a modern, high-performance environment while supporting the district’s long-term vision for updated, functional school infrastructure.