Skender starts 100,000-SF renovation for Perspectives Charter School January 22, 2019 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share via email Skender recently started construction on the conversion of the 100,000-square-foot former Soft Sheen building at 8522 S. Lafayette in Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood into a middle and high school for Perspectives Charter Schools (PCS). The project includes interior and exterior alterations to an existing two-story steel framed structure with masonry exterior. Once complete, the charter school will include STEM forward classrooms, a monumental staircase that will also serve as seating for an auditorium, two large gymnasiums and potentially an athletic field. Serving as general contractor, Skender is working in collaboration with Perkins + Will and ConopCo Project Management to complete the project by August 1, 2019, providing a new, healthy and productive school environment in time for PCS students to enjoy for the fall semester. Founded in 1997, PCS is one of the first charter schools in Illinois. Today, PCS manages five open enrollment, tuition-free public schools serving students in grades 6–12 in the communities of Auburn Gresham, Bronzeville, South Loop and now Chatham.