GALESBURG — The Carl Sandburg College Board of Trustees on Thursday received an updated look at the proposed concept and design of the College’s forthcoming transformative project that will be highlighted by a new 72,000-square-foot science and technology center.

The new building will serve as the centerpiece of a five-phase project that will mark the most significant construction on the Main Campus in Galesburg since it was first built in 1969. Representatives from Sandburg’s architecture and engineering firm, Farnsworth Group, told trustees that the project is likely to begin this fall. The new building is estimated to be completed in the summer of 2024, in time to open for the 2024 fall semester.

Phase 1 of the plan includes the renovation of Building G and the relocation of Sandburg’s automotive technology program to that area. The existing automotive area in Building B will be demolished to serve as the site of the new science and technology center.

Phase 2 would see the construction of the new science and technology center, which will house Sandburg’s programs for health professions; math and natural sciences; information and communication technology; and criminal justice. The new building would also serve as the home of Sandburg’s dental hygiene program, which is currently located at the Annex in downtown Galesburg.

Additional phases include renovations to the upper level of Building C, updates to the Crist Student Center and the demolition of Building A, allowing it to serve as a location for future campus expansion.

The Board in December selected River City Construction of East Peoria to serve as the project’s construction manager. The next step in the process is Farnsworth Group and River City Construction collaborating in the schematic design of the building to detail its floor plans and the preliminary cost of the project.

The Board on Thursday also approved the acceptance of a $100,000 Innovative Bridge and Transitions grant from the Illinois Community College Board to support students toward their postsecondary education and into employment.

Sandburg’s project funded through the grant, “VR for WR: Virtual Training Opportunities to Increase Workforce Readiness,” will assist workforce transitions for students preparing to enter the law, public safety, corrections and security industries through the College’s criminal justice program. Funds will be used to purchase an Apex Officer virtual reality training simulator as well as additional training equipment, classroom technology and to support faculty professional development. The grant is expected to assist approximately 115 students in Sandburg’s criminal justice courses.

In other business, the Board approved the following:
• Three-year contract with BOPI/JK Creative of Quincy for the design, layout, copy editing and printing of the Sandburg Magazine.
• A quote of $45,732 by Midwest Alarm Services to replace the College’s door access controls.
• A quote of $54,675 by Gallup, Inc. for a three-year agreement to provide survey software.
• Resignation/retirement of Sheryl Lashley-Cline as full-time education and psychology faculty, effective June 30.
• Extension of unpaid leave of absence to Troy Chansler, effective Jan. 12-March 1.

The Board’s next scheduled meeting is 7 p.m. Feb. 24.