Front entrance rendering (Image provided)
In East Chicago, Ivy Tech Community College’s Lake County campus has announced plans for extensive renovations at its location on East Columbus Drive beginning in August 2023. “The work will transform this part of our campus, not just aesthetically but in tangible ways that will enhance both the student and employee experience,” said Lake County Campus Chancellor Louie Gonzalez. Ivy Tech says the main building was designed in 1979 by the late noted architect Helmut Jahn and upcoming renovations will remain true to the spirit of his design concepts, which emphasize open flow, natural lighting and glass. This project, a news release said, is designed to promote physical transparency, making it easier to view areas throughout the building.
Lobby rendering (Image provided)
The new design will incorporate updates to equipment, building layout and technology. It also will feature:
• All new windows
• Updated lighting and furnishings
• Re-alignment of the front stairway
• Renovated restrooms
• A new ADA entrance
• Reconstruction of the front entrance and lobby area, incorporating the “front porch” concept used in prior welding renovation.
Upstairs rendering ((mage provided)
Construction will take place in two phases, the announcement said. Phase 1A is scheduled to begin on Aug. 7 and end on Jan. 12, while phase 1B is expected to start on Oct. 16 and also end on Jan. 12. Phase 2A is scheduled to begin in December, while Phase 2B is set to start in June. Construction is expected to conclude in August of 2024.
Ivy Tech said these renovations follow those already completed in the welding lab and classrooms at the East Chicago location. All work will take place in the main building, which houses offices, General Education classrooms, and the campus’ Hospitality, Automotive, Welding and Industrial Technology programs. There is also a second, smaller annex building on the property that houses offices, two classrooms and shipping and receiving.
Total cost for the project is $12 million, including $2 million for the previous welding renovations, Ivy Tech said. Work is being financed by capital dollars from Ivy Tech statewide and through fundraising. GMB is providing architectural services and Berglund Construction is the contractor for the upcoming renovations. Larson-Danielson served as contractor for the welding project.
In addition to its East Chicago facility, the campus also maintains locations on Connecticut Drive in Crown Point, and in the Arts and Sciences Building on the Indiana University Northwest campus on Broadway in Gary.
