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Checking In On GEMS World Academy in Lakeshore East

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Nestled in the Lakeshore East neighborhood of highrises sits this, ahem, gem of a school. The first US campus for international private school system GEMS World Academy will be opening for the Fall 2014 semester soon, and it's already grabbing lots of attention for its colorful design by Chicago's own bKL Architecture, who've been making a name for themselves with creative glass-and-steel designs all around town. Downtown Chicago might seem an odd place for a new elementary school, but with its hefty tuition fees they're clearly targeting a wealthy market of parents who probably live downtown or can afford the commute. The school is also planning a high school building in an adjacent lot, facing the river, as a second phase of this project.