Fortec Completes $5 Million Conversion of Vernon Hills Warehouse into Early Education Center

Fortec has finalized the $5 million redevelopment of a former ambulance warehouse in Vernon Hills, a northern Chicago suburb, into The Nest Schools-Vernon Hills. The new early education center, which opened in September 2026, is designed to accommodate up to 209 students and is expected to generate 35 jobs within the Lake County community.

The project commenced with Fortec's acquisition of the property for $1.7 million in September 2025. An additional $3 million was invested in construction, alongside $300,000 for closing and due diligence. The comprehensive redevelopment included a full interior reconfiguration tailored for childcare, featuring 11 age-grouped classrooms and an 11,834-square-foot outdoor playground. Core building systems, such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and irrigation, were replaced with high-efficiency alternatives, and significant safety upgrades were implemented, including new fire alarm and sprinkler systems, and enhanced access control. This marks Fortec's fourth collaboration with The Nest Schools. This adaptive reuse project demonstrates the potential for converting underutilized industrial assets into essential community infrastructure.