RICHTON PARK, Ill. — Rich Township High School District 227 announced its Construction Trades Home Project on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, with a strong turnout of project partners, village officials, and community supporters gathered to celebrate a new hands-on learning opportunity for students.
Through the project, students in the district’s construction trades program will help renovate a home recently purchased by the district in Richton Park. The property will provide a setting for students to apply classroom instruction to an actual renovation project and see the results of their work take shape over time.
The experience is designed to help students strengthen their construction skills while developing the teamwork, problem-solving, and sense of responsibility that practical work requires. It will also give students an opportunity to explore their interests in the trades and consider how those interests may connect to education, training, and careers after high school.
The announcement drew support from Richton Park Village President Rick Reinbold and village trustees, along with the South Suburban Land Bank and other project partners. Their participation reflected the community interest in connecting student learning with investment in a local property.
Project partners include the South Suburban Land Bank and National Catastrophe Solutions, Inc. The gathering recognized the collaboration supporting the district’s effort to bring construction trades instruction beyond the classroom.
For students, the project offers a chance to contribute to work in their community while learning how individual skills fit into a larger renovation effort. As the house progresses, they will be able to connect what they learn with visible changes to the property.
Rich Township High School District 227 thanks its Board of Education, instructional staff, the South Suburban Land Bank, National Catastrophe Solutions, Inc., the Village of Richton Park, and all project partners and community members who attended or supported the announcement.
The October 21 event marked the project announcement and kickoff. A ribbon cutting is planned for when the house is completed.
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Media contact: Dr. Matthew Shank | mshank@rich227.org | 708-679-5727