Quad-Cities campus renovation under way
Julie Lord
Issue date: 3/25/05 Section: News
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Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich recommended $2,339,000 to renovate the brick building that was formerly the John Deere technology research center on River Drive.
According to John Maguire, assistant vice president for University Relations, some money has already been approved for the project.
"The state allocated $200,000 this year to start early planning," Maguire said. "We were to receive $150,000 in federal grant funds toward the project as well."
It is estimated that architectural planning will require one year and the actual renovations will require an additional two years. Maguire added that although the amount of money required for renovations will be significant, students will not see an increase in tuition to fund the construction.
"The money for renovations are from state resources and are not directly related to tuition," Maguire said.
He added student fees will not be directly affected either.
"Fees are used to assist in some areas, but not for major construction," he said.
Maguire added expansion has been a part of the Riverfront Campus plan since it moved into the current Western facility in 1997.
The former John Deere technology research building is being referred to as Phase I of renovations to the Riverfront Campus. Construction of two new buildings, including an expanded library, technology-enhanced classrooms, conference room and space for fine arts programs are part of Phase II and Phase III of construction and planning.
Western's strategic plan calls for a student enrollment of 3,000 students at the Riverfront Campus by fall of 2008. This is well over double the current enrollment of almost 1,300 students.
Jeanne Clerc, associate provost and associate vice president for academic affairs, said she believes the renovations are the start of vast improvements to the Quad Cities campus.
"It is absolutely critical to have a vibrant university system within the Quad Cities area to serve both traditional and nontraditional students," Clerc said.
Clerc said the renovations are the first step toward providing excellent-quality higher education to many more people in the Quad Cities area, thereby improving the education of the area's workforce.
The renovations also would serve as a vehicle for the Riverfront Campus to expand several of its programs.
"Another focus at the Riverfront Campus will be expanding our business and MBA courses. These credit and non-credit courses and programs would have relevance to those wishing to start up new businesses in the Quad Cities," Clerc said.
She added Western also will be exploring high-need areas like health care, education and technology.
With the renovations will come the need for more faculty and staff. According to Clerc, additional faculty, professional academic support, technology, secretarial and physical plant staff will need to be hired to help accommodate the expansion.
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