Two northwest side Chicago public high schools are the beneficiaries of a $40,000 donation made by Dubin Residential. The donation was made on behalf of The Shoemaker Lofts, which is the loft conversion of the former Florsheim Shoe Factory at 3963 W. Belmont Ave., in Avondale, on the city’s northwest side.

North Grand High School, located at 4338 W. Wabansia Ave., and Kelvyn Park High School, located at 4343 W. Wrightwood Ave., each received $20,000. According to the developer, the schools were selected for their need and their proximity to The Shoemaker Lofts.

“We feel it is important to support the communities where we build homes, so when Alderman Suarez asked us for help, we were happy to oblige,” says David Dubin, president of Dubin Residential. “Education is important to us and to the Alderman, so we decided to offer our assistance to local schools.”

Dubin and 31st Ward Ald. Ray Suarez were honored for the donation at a student assembly at Kelvyn Park High School.

According to Dr. Sandra Fontanez-Phalen, principal of Kelvyn Park High School, the donation will be used for repairs to the school’s front entrance and for classroom supplies.

“It was great to meet the students and faculty who will benefit from the donation,” says Dubin. “After the assembly, I toured the school with the principal and was very excited to see how the money would be put to use.”

A spokesperson for North Grand High School said the donation, which was one of the school’s largest to date, would be used for capital improvements, including a new fence for the school’s property.

“This donation is a way for us to literally put our money where our mouth is in terms of helping to spur the growth and success of emerging neighborhoods like Avondale on the Northwest Side,” says Dubin. “We think Avondale is a great neighborhood, and we are happy that we can make a difference by supporting the schools.”