# Chicago school expansion approved despite neighbor backlash

> Chicago's Francis W. Parker School gets city approval for expansion after years of neighbor pushback
- Title: Chicago school expansion approved despite neighbor backlash
- Summary: Chicago's Francis W. Parker School gets city approval for expansion after years of neighbor pushback School will add 125 students and 30 staff over seven…
- Keywords: francis w parker school, lincoln park, chicago plan commission, demolition, neighbor opposition, school expansion, condo building, student capacity, staff jobs, public hearing, news, local
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/real-estate/2026/09/17/francis-w-parker-school-expansion-plan-commission-ire-neighbors
- Published: 2026-09-18T00:34:14.84+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: francis w parker school, lincoln park, chicago plan commission, demolition, neighbor opposition, school expansion, condo building, student capacity, staff jobs, public hearing, news, local
## Expansion approved
Francis W. Parker School received Chicago Plan Commission approval for its expansion project to add 125 students and 30 staff over seven years
## Demolition plan
The school plans to demolish 15-unit Belden by the Park condos at 335 W Belden Ave to build a five-story building with pedestrian overpass
## Capacity issue
Parker School has reached capacity at its current 330 W Webster Ave location with 940 students needing more space for growth
## Neighborhood concerns
Neighbors protested the demolition of a 1909 vintage courtyard building at 335 W Belden Ave, calling it a historic neighborhood threat
## Concessions made
The school narrowed the pedestrian overpass, moved mechanical equipment east, and created more natural light for neighboring townhomes
## 30-year agreement
Parker committed to keeping the building at 317-25 W Belden Ave residential for 30 years to address neighborhood concerns
## Public opposition
Over 40 neighbors spoke against the project, with preservation groups urging rejection of the proposal to protect historic buildings
## Better Plan alternative
East Lincoln Park Neighbors proposed a five-story building on Parker's parking lot with aquatic center to avoid demolition
## School response
Parker's board claims the proposal resulted from years of collaboration with neighbors and community groups to benefit students and the city
## Construction timeline
The school expects construction to start no sooner than 2028 after approval from Chicago Plan Commission
## Cost estimate
The expansion project is estimated at $39 million to add 125 students and 30 permanent staff positions
## Historic building
The 1909 courtyard building at 335 W Belden Ave is part of Chicago's landmark district that preservation groups have protected for years
## Public hearing
Over 40 neighbors signed up to speak at the public hearing about the school's expansion proposal
## Neighborhood impact
The project would add 125 new students and 30 permanent staff to Parker School while creating more space for the community
## Key takeaway

School will add 125 students and 30 staff over seven years by demolishing a historic condo building