(WSIL) -- The Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) today announced RATIO Architects will spearhead the design process for the expanded communications building on the Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) campus.
CDB released $8,301,920 in funds in fiscal year 2020 to create a preliminary design for the Communications Building.
The project’s total cost, approximately $84.7 million, is funded by Governor Pritzker’s bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan. CDB will oversee the project’s design and construction under the protocol for state-appropriated capital projects.
The project will remodel the 229,050 square foot building and add approximately 60,000 square feet of space to support interdisciplinary learning.
In addition to the infrastructure improvements and equipment upgrades in the current building, the addition will provide new classroom space, fully equipped and flexible auditorium space, laboratory rooms, digital post-production suites, and reflect the growing trend toward media convergence in a combined broadcast-print newsroom.
The addition will allow for future changes in technology through innovative design and the creation of flexible work areas. Also, the building addition will include common areas to allow for the sharing of ideas through group interaction and meeting rooms for student organizations.
“This is an important project for the SIU Carbondale campus because the Communications Building, which was constructed in 1964, has had no major renovations or additions since. Advances in technology have had a profound impact on the programs which are housed there, including cinema and photography, journalism, and radio, television, and digital media. This reconstruction will allow for future changes in technology through innovative design and the creation of flexible work areas. On behalf of the SIUC, we want to thank Governor Pritzker and his staff and our dedicated legislative delegation for helping make this opportunity possible."
Dan Mahony, Southern Illinois University System President.
“This building will give students opportunities to learn in state-of-the-art facilities, gaining hands-on experiences that will position them for success after they graduate," said SIU Carbondale Chancellor Austin A. Lane.Ìý"All of our undergraduate students who enroll in communication-related courses will benefit from the state's investment in their future. We are very grateful."
SIU Carbondale Chancellor Austin A. Lane
