Illinois college is turning a former big box store into a technology center

The College of Lake County in Illinois is transforming a 142,000-square-foot former Lowe's store in Gurnee  into a technology center. 

The $89 million center will offer courses in machining, manufacturing, welding, fabrication and industrial technology, reports The Daily Herald. 

The facility will have a welding and fabrication lab and a V-shaped entrance atrium that will serve as a gathering space for students. Other features include learning spaces for advanced manufacturing, automation and robotics, according to the college.

 The college has borrowed $50 million to help pay for the center and other projects. A $2 million donation from philanthropists also will help pay for the center.

Construction is expected to be complete in July 2022. 

Legat Architects is designing the facility.