Kohl Children’s Museum

The Kohl Children’s Museum was relocated from Wilmette to a new site at the former Glenview Naval Air Station in Glenview to accommodate its growing offerings and customer base. The museum offers unique opportunities for children with a hands-on learning environment that is environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. Upon completion, the project received a Silver-level certification as a LEED building from the U.S. Green Building Council.

In addition to interior initiatives, many innovative site design concepts were incorporated for the pursuit of the certification. Native plantings within bioswales were used to drain the parking areas, reducing the number of hard surfaces and storm sewers. Erosion control measures and runoff rate reduction were also instituted.

An educational, outdoor play area was also created with a variety of plantings and an innovative, cascading roof drainage system doubling as a water feature. The goal of the outdoor space was to provide children with an opportunity to use their imaginations while having fun.

The Kohl Children’s Museum is an excellent example of how the LEED approach is creating buildings with reduced operating costs, and healthier and more productive occupants- all while conserving natural resources. By incorporating these techniques, EEA assisted the owners with providing children and families with unique learning opportunities.

Photography courtesy of Booth Hansen