Illinois State University’s Board of Trustees has approved up to $41.5 million for the first phase of converting a former Country Financial office complex into the home of the university’s new College of Engineering.
The site, located at 1709 and 1711 GE Road, was purchased for $17.5 million. Renovation costs are estimated at $34.7 million, with another $6.8 million set aside for equipment, including classroom and lab tech. The funding will come from the university’s general revenue reserves, financed through tax-exempt debt.
Once the first phase is done, the space will support 600 engineering students, with plans to expand to over 1,000 in a later phase.
In other business Friday, trustees approved up to $1.2 million in repairs to the School Street and South University Street parking garages, with work set to begin this summer.
Students also voiced concerns about university communication during an April 27 shots-fired incident at Bone Student Center. President Aondover Tarhule acknowledged the concerns and praised first responders for their efforts, pledging to continue investments in campus safety.
