The Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy (IHSCA), founded by Instituto del Progreso Latino (Instituto), is a new charter high school serving 600 youth from Chicago communities and the first dedicated career academy in the state of Illinois. The project required the renovation of an existing 3-story, 75,000 sq. ft. warehouse and a 3-story addition to the building’s north side. The facility houses the following: classrooms; science and computer labs; health careers and family resource centers; a community clinic with social worker and psychologist offices and exam rooms; library; dining / multi-purpose room; fitness center; and administrative and conference spaces.

Ghafari was the architect of record for the project, which was designed to achieve a minimum of LEED Silver Certification. McShane Construction Company led the design-build team, which also included JGMA (Moreno Architects), design architect.