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The unemployment rate in Kankakee County reached 8.1 percent, so Kankakee Community College took action.
The college decided to build a facility that would provide job skills for area residents and redefine the campus' image.
The $7.7 million Workforce Development Center serves as the core for corporate and continuing education in the community about 50 mi. south of Chicago.
The 49,000-sq.-ft., three-story facility houses technology-heavy classrooms and computer laboratories, multi-media lecture hall, presentation room, glass-enclosed conference room, student services and offices. The learning areas will serve as models for the redesign of other classrooms on the campus.
Overcoming Tight Budget
The college sought to create a campus presence under a tight budget.
A simple mass of precast concrete, rather than limestone, was used. There was minimal detailing to meet the client's budget of $157 per square foot.
Initially, college officials wanted the facility to match the conservative red-brick buildings on campus, but they were persuaded to accept a contemporary structure that blended with, but did not match, existing facilities.
Three sites were analyzed, and a prominent location was selected to suit the goals of a new image and increasing opportunities for the community.
The site was an under-used lawn near the campus entry with under-used paths to existing facilities.
A new entry was needed to introduce the campus, and the sculptural entry resembles a gate.
Several design elements create a contemporary image that unites the college's educational mission with the facility's corporate focus.
The precast concrete contrasts with the red brick of the conventional campus buildings. Sculptural red and yellow staircases serve as fire exists, complementing and energizing the entry statement. Inside, accents of color throughout the subdued background recall the bright red and yellow of the entry staircases.
A 210-ft.-long glass curtain wall reveals enclosed social areas. Courtyards separate the facility from existing buildings.
The curtain wall extends beyond the roof to reinforce the school's new image. A third-story skywalk leads to a glass-enclosed conference room.
Lecture room walls slope into courtyards to create the experience of a larger space. The facility houses 90-plus courses related to professional development, business ownership, computer skills and personal development.
Each of the 12 classrooms have self-contained multimedia systems.
The jury said, "Community colleges don't look like this. We look at this and say, 'Wow, this is pretty interesting.' At the same time, it's functional. The use of the site was nice."
Key Players
Owner:
Kankakee Community College
General Contractor:
Reliable and Associates Construction Co., Chicago
Architect:
Legat Architects Inc., Waukegan
Structural Consultant:
Larson Engineering of Illinois, Naperville
HVAC Consultant:
KJWW Engineering Consultants, Naperville
Civil Consultant:
Tyson Engineering Inc., Kankakee
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