In 2025, ACE Mentor Chicago and Human Scale partnered to redevelop the ACE Design Build Program for high school students. Through a combination of their missions, both organizations sought to provide 23 high school students with the opportunity to design and build a meaningful, beautiful and functional space in the historically disinvested neighborhood of Englewood, while encouraging students to pursue careers in architecture, engineering, and construction.

Guided by more than 30 design and construction professionals from more than 14 firms, students were introduced to a real client, a real site, and a real set of community needs through NeighborSpace, the nonprofit urban land trust that supports community gardens across Chicago. After 10 design classes with the students, a masterplan was created for the Getting Grown Collective organization in Englewood. Over the course of two summer weeks, the students identified which elements of the masterplan they could build based on the program budget and tight schedule. With the help of community residents; and professional mentors and contractors, the students created a community gathering space with a bonfire pit, a compost area, twenty portable seats, and provided general cleanup of the garden – all donated to the community partner.

• Introduce high school students to the design build process
• Develop a sustainable model for the ACE Design Build Program
• Find a community partner in need of a public space to act as the Client for the program
• Design and build a functional, beautiful and meaningful public space with 23 high school students
• Involve professional construction companies and mentors throughout the program

Students began with research into Englewood’s history and neighborhood context, learning about disinvestment, vacant land, and population loss, while also identifying the assets that continue to anchor the community, from transit and schools to local food justice organizations and resident-led initiatives. They visited the site, walked the garden, interviewed residents, and listened to how the space was used and cared for day to day.