University News

Multicultural Center Update

April 7, 2008

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MACOMB, IL -- After a harsh winter, work on the new Western Illinois University Multicultural Center is again moving forward and is nearly on target with its original construction schedule.

According to Ted Renner, WIU construction project coordinator II, within the next month, Leander, Inc., the facility's general contractor, will have the foundation work complete and will begin to erect the building's steel frame.

In addition to the general construction site preparation and initial groundwork, the building's exterior bricks have been selected. A 4 x 4 "mock" wall is currently in place near the Multicultural Center "Rocky Builds" sign.

"The contractor is confident that, despite the winter we experienced, the schedule has not been drastically affected. Our target of having the building open within the original 12- to 14-month timeframe is still attainable," Renner noted.

The ceremonial groundbreaking was held Sept. 28, 2007 and construction on the green building began in October 2007. A completion date has been tentatively set for November 2008.

"I would like to thank everyone for understanding the need to periodically close the C.T. Vivian Way crossing in front of the University Union as part of the construction process. I know that having this crossing closed can be an inconvenience; however, the safety of our students, faculty and staff is our foremost priority," Renner added. "The contractor understands the heavy pedestrian traffic this area experiences and will not close the crosswalk any more than is necessary; but as warmer weather continues, the closure of the crossing may be more frequent to accommodate the delivery of concrete, structural steel, brick and other materials."

The center, which will house the Women's Center, Casa Latina, the Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center and the International Friendship Club, is being constructed under green standards, including the installation of a grass roof. Western received a $100,000 grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation to offset costs associated with pursuing LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certification, and received grant funding to install a geothermal heating and cooling system. Other green building standards include installing energy-efficient fluorescent lighting, using a number of recyclable materials, including bamboo flooring; and closely monitoring the removal of construction material.

For more information on the Multicultural Center construction, contact Renner at 309/298-2834,
ext. 261 or T-Renner@wiu.edu.


Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing