Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) issued the following announcement on Mar. 31.
The Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) has selected Bailey Edward Design, Inc., as the preferred architectural design firm for the design of the Library Learning Center at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS). CDB will oversee the project's design and construction in accordance with the protocol for state-appropriated projects.
Through Governor Pritzker's bipartisan capital plan, the first in nearly a decade, the University of Illinois Springfield will receive nearly $35 million. The project includes the construction of a 65,000 feet multi-story Library Learning and Student Success Center (Center). Sited on the southeast corner of the main quadrangle, the Center will serve as a nucleus for advanced and innovative teaching, learning, and collaboration. The Center will house library services and collections, Information Technology Services, client services, a help desk, and the Center for Academic Success. The Center for Academic Success is composed of: The Learning Hub, Office of Advising Services, Information, and Support, Experiential and Service-Learning Program, Testing Services, the Tutoring Center, Writing Lab, Math Lab, the Career Development Center, and Testing Center. The multiple Experiential Teaching-Learning Labs will include a Communications Lab, Maker Space, an "Imaginaseum", technology-rich multi-use classrooms, a flexible multi-use technology-rich 200-seat classroom/conference space and supporting office space for faculty and staff.
"Illinois is home to the best universities and research centers in the world and boasts a talented workforce that attracts companies from across the globe," said Governor JB Pritzker. "This new library and learning center on the UIS campus, made possible through funding from the historic bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan, will further cement the university's place as a world-class institution that excels in preparing talented students for the careers of tomorrow."
"The Capital Development Board is pleased to oversee the construction and design of the 65,000 square feet multi-story Library Learning and Student Success Center at the University of Illinois Springfield," said CDB Executive Director Jim Underwood. "This multiple Experiential Teaching-Learning Labs will include a Communications Lab, Maker Space, an "Imaginaseum", technology-rich multi-use classrooms, a flexible multi-use technology-rich 200-seat classroom/conference space and supporting office space for faculty and staff."
"The Library Learning & Student Success Center located on the UIS campus will house services and programs completely dedicated to the successful graduation of every student at UIS. It will be a learning-centered state-of-the-art building that brings together faculty, staff, and students with one goal: student success," said UIS Interim Chancellor Karen Whitney.
"This is a very exciting project that will provide new resources for our UIS students as well as much-needed jobs for our area," said State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield), a proud UIS alumnus. "The Library Learning Center will be a major benefit to the campus and will help attract even more students to Springfield."
"Today's announcement of design firm selection for the $35 million investment into University of Illinois Springfield is welcomed progress for the institution. As member of the House Appropriations - Higher Education Committee, I frequently hear the needs of Illinois' university system, and I'm thankful the State is choosing to invest in our future with projects like this," said State Representative Mike Murphy (R-Springfield).
The historic Rebuild Illinois capital plan passed in 2019 with bipartisan super-majorities and will invest $45 billion in roads, bridges, railways, universities, early childhood centers, and state aging facilities over the next five years, creating and supporting an estimated 540,000 jobs over the life of the plan and revitalizing local economies across the state.
Original source can be found here.
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