GODFREY – The Lewis and Clark Community College Board of Trustees voted Monday night, during a special board meeting, to commit $12.5 million in match funding to support a major renovation of the Godfrey Campus’ Main Complex.
In 2019, the State of Illinois allocated $37.5 million to L&C’s Main Complex Renovation Project, but no money has been released to date.
Get The Latest News!
Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.
“The $12.5 million represents a 25 percent match to support an important and long overdue renovation that ensures the operational vitality of our campus,” said L&C President Ken Trzaska. “College leadership is encouraged that the action taken by our board Monday night demonstrates the college’s commitment to this important project for our campus and community and to this funding coming to fruition.”
In August, the college closed two floors of Baldwin and Caldwell Halls, both at the heart of the Main Complex, to address safety and health concerns involving HVAC issues contributing to the growth of mold. The closures displaced 46 faculty, 26 offices, and 136 class sections, for a total of 153 classroom moves to other locations on campus and 33 moves from face-to-face to virtual. Student services were among the offices impacted.
College leadership said the spaces will remain closed indefinitely, adding a sense of urgency to the renovation project.
“We hope to avoid additional operational setbacks that could very well impact enrollment negatively as well as our collective ability to apply our mission and serve our students and community at optimal levels,” Trzaska said. “If and when funding is released, we would initiate conceptual designs for renovation. This would involve a comprehensive team from our campus as well as community members and students. We have a really good opportunity to be mindful of our budget and resources, but also think about the future of the Main Complex and its alignment to the college’s mission, values, and future growth.”
During the meeting, three faculty – Lewis and Clark Faculty Association President Debbie Witsken, Radio Broadcasting Coordinator Mike Lemons, and Professor of Music Peter Hussey – urged the board to support the match.
Witsken said the renovation of the Main Complex, which dates back to the 1800s and is a landmark for the community, is necessary to continue to meet the needs of the local community through teaching and learning.
“We need you, and this is a great opportunity for all of us to work together to do something amazing for our campus,” she said.
Board Chair David Heyen supported the authorization.
“This does not mean we have to come up with $12.5 million tonight – it means we are open to providing that money,” Heyen said. “I’m encouraged by this opportunity and think a renovation of this space could even help Lewis and Clark attract more students in the future.
The authorization was supported 6-1.
