STATE OF JB PRITZKER, GOVERNOR Jim Underwood, Executive Director

February 9, 2021 Lesa Branham, CDB PIO For Immediate Release [email protected]

Administration Begins Design Process for $84 Million Communications Building at Southern Illinois University Carbondale Board Members Funding for Building Expansion Provided by Governor Pritzker’s Bipartisan Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan Eileen Rhodes Chair CARBONDALE – The Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) today announced Glyn M. Ramage RATIO Architects will spearhead the design process for the expanded communications building on the Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) campus. CDB released Pam McDonough $8,301,920 in funds in fiscal year 2020 to create a preliminary design for the

Martesha Brown Communications Building. The project’s total cost, approximately $84.7 million, is funded by Governor Pritzker’s bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan, the most robust David Arenas capital plan in Illinois history and the first in nearly a decade. CDB will oversee the project’s design and construction under the protocol for state-appropriated capital Beverly Potts projects.

Wm. G. Stratton Building 401 South Spring Street “The changes in communication over the past 20 years have been monumental, and Third Floor with this investment, SIUC students will not only be able to master all the new tools, but Springfield, Illinois they will also be on the forefront of the next generation of change,” said Governor JB 62706-4050 Pritzker. “With this $84 million dollar investment into SIUC’s campus, made possible James R. Thompson Center by our bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan, current and future students will have the 100 West Randolph Street opportunity to receive a world class education in a state-of-the-art facility.” Suite 14-600 , Illinois 60601-3283 “The Illinois Capital Development Board is excited to move forward with the design phase of the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Communications Building. We look Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center forward to the successful completion of the project, which will provide communication 1740 Innovation Drive students tools they need to make their learning experience challenging, exciting and Suite 258 completely their own,’ said CDB Executive Director Jim Underwood. Carbondale, Illinois 62903-6102 The project will remodel the 229,050 square foot building and add approximately IDOT District 3 Headquarters 60,000 square feet of space to support interdisciplinary learning. In addition to the 700 East Norris Drive Second Floor infrastructure improvements and equipment upgrades in the current building, the addition Ottawa, Illinois will provide new classroom space, fully equipped and flexible auditorium space, 61350-0697 laboratory rooms, digital post-production suites, and reflect the growing trend toward media convergence in a combined broadcast-print newsroom. East St. Louis Community College Center 601 James R. Thompson Blvd. The addition will allow for future changes in technology through innovative design Building B., Suite 2079 and the creation of flexible work areas. Also, the building addition will include common E. St. Louis, Illinois 62201-1129 areas to allow for the sharing of ideas through group interaction and meeting rooms for student organizations. 217.782.2864 217.524.0565 FAX 217.524.4449 TDD www.illinois.gov/cdb

“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,” said 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. "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."

“I am thankful to the State of Illinois for advancing development of the Communications Building at SIUC,” said State Senator Terri Bryant – District 58. “Communication methods and networks have changed dramatically since the facility was initially constructed, and this investment of $84 million will give SUIC a competitive advantage in attracting students, while preparing them with the tools needed to participate in our ever evolving forms of electronic entertainment and communication.”

“The investment of $84 million into the Communication program at SUIC will provide students with the forward-thinking tools and training needed to enter such a rapidly evolving career,” said State Representative – District 115. “The Rebuild Illinois capital plan is essential to upgrading and improving facilities throughout the state, and I’m grateful to have an investment of this magnitude here in our community.”

The historic Rebuild Illinois capital plan passed with bipartisan super-majorities and will invest $45 billion in roads, bridges, railways, universities, early childhood centers and state facilities like the new crime lab and veterans’ homes over the next five years, creating and supporting an estimated 540,000 jobs over the life of the plan and revitalizing local economies across the state.

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