Ivy Tech Community College plans to build a new main building on its Columbus, Ind., campus.
The Greensburg Daily News reports that the $32 million, 80,000-square foot structure will be built at the Columbus Air Park behind the College’s existing main campus building, Poling Hall.
The college says the new building will replace the aging Poling Hall with a facility that caters to modern technology, collaboration, and academics. Funding for the building was approved by the Indiana legislature as part of the State’s budget.
The design of the new building will benefit from the Cummins Foundation Architecture Program, which will recommend architects for consideration and provide funds for the design portion of the new campus building.
“A new campus facility will significantly improve the learning and collaborative environments for our students and employees,” Ivy Tech Columbus Chancellor Steven Combs says.
A team from the Cummins Foundation will generate a list of five architects for the college to consider. Ivy Tech Columbus plans to host a public charrette for its employees and community members in December where architects will share their proposed designs for the campus.
Once the college selects an architect, the Cummins Foundation will provide funds for the design portion of the architect fees. An Indiana-based architect of record and contractor will manage the building project, and that selection is underway.
The college anticipates breaking ground in 2020 and taking occupancy in 2022.
The campus, which serves Bartholomew, Decatur, Jackson and Jennings counties, offers more than 30 programs as pathways to high-demand careers and an affordable foundation for a bachelor’s degree.
The growing number of programs is possible because of steady enrollment. Ivy Tech Columbus grew by 4.3 percent from academic year 2017 to 2018 in new first-time, re-admitted students, transfer students, and guest students. The campus grew by 7.7 percent from fall term to fall term.
