FREEPORT, Ill. (WIFR) – The Board of Trustees for Highland Community College unanimously approves a multi-million dollar expansion of the college’s sports building.
The Board of Trustees for Highland Community College approves a $38 million project to expand the college’s sports complex.(WIFR)
The project is estimated to cost $38,000,000.
The college’s Sports Building, or Building S, was built to meet space needs for both Highland Community College and the YMCA in the early 1980s. Leaders say over time, sports offerings by HCC and programs offered by the YMCA outgrew the current facility.
Highland Community College Sports Center(WIFR)
Board leaders say because of the space constraints, the YMCA made a decision to vacate the college’s sports building, along with the Child Care/Training Center (Building I), instead moving to 2900 W. Pearl City Road, currently Stewart Centre West.
HCC says the anticipated vacancy means it would be able to renovate the existing space to better accommodate its needs.
Leaders from Family YMCA of Northwest Illinois say the YMCA has not yet vacated either building and conversations about when the Y will leave the buildings are ongoing.
Following Wednesday’s vote, the college must also figure out planning and design for the project as well as get a Stephenson County building permit for new construction. Once the plans and designs are finished, the Board will need to approve any necessary bids and potential financing options.
clarification: Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story said the YMCA had already moved to its new location. This article has been corrected.
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