The Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation has officially opened its doors in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, marking the culmination of a six-year design and adaptive reuse project designed by Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC).

Located at 5500 W. Madison St., the new center repurposes the former Robert Emmet Elementary School, one of 50 CPS schools closed in 2013, into a multifunctional anchor for workforce training, education, healthcare support and economic development.

The lobby addition includes a reception area, flexible open and private gathering zones, and a BMO bank branch. The project also features a 100-foot mural by artist Shawn Michael Warren, wrapping from the exterior onto a main lobby wall.

“Our goal was to transform a dormant icon into a vibrant community hub, honoring its architectural legacy while equipping it for future generations,” said Max Komnenich, project lead and associate principal at LJC. “The result is a bright, airy, high-tech place that’s both historic and forward-looking.”