MCC lays out $640 million, 40-year expansion
A 40-year plan calling for the expansion of McHenry County College could cost $640 million — $278.5 million in the first decade alone.
The master plan was fully unveiled Thursday night, along with its hefty price tag.
Senior project manager Leanne Meyer-Smith, of Wight & Co., which devised the plan, said it places a strong emphasis on technology, sustainability and wellness. “The buildings here serve the community,” she said.
The 20-year plan would cost an additional $199.3 million, and the 40-year plan an additional $162.1 million, all in 2013 dollars. The figures don't include the planned acquisition of a 20-acre parcel through eminent domain.
That's $640 million overall in 2013 dollars.
The projected costs include new buildings, the renovation of existing buildings, sitework and utilities, plus 15 percent for design, engineering and contingency costs, Meyer-Smith said. “I assure you this was weeks of cost preparation to get to this point, plus our experience with other campuses and national trends,” she said.
The board of trustees adopted the master plan Thursday. “We are thrilled with the outcome. We are very pleased with this providing us a road map for the future,” MCC President Vicky Smith said.
The plan features several new buildings, most with two stories and all connected by elevated walkways. On the north end would be a new fine arts center with space for a black box theater and art gallery, a new building that Meyer-Smith called “a jewel.”
The center of campus would be shifted north, with the main entrance on Lucas Road leading into a new student life center building. There also would be a traditional green, quad area with native prairieland on both ends.
MCC student Zack Klehr said he liked the plan. “I like the new buildings, the green space, and the flexibility is a good aspect,” he said, adding he will be spreading the word about it among his fellow students.
In the first decade, buildings would be constructed along Route 14, with more added behind that over time. “It's a wonderful opportunity along that entire edge (of Route 14) to sell a great image,” project landscape architect Phil Steupfert said.
The plan includes two, 900-space parking garages, which was a big point of discussion during the planning, Meyer-Smith said. “That decision can be made later,” she said, adding the same number of parking spaces could be achieved by converting green space into parking areas.
Trustee Cynthia Kisser pointed out that parking garages would more efficiently accommodate charging stations for electric vehicles.
The engineering includes high-efficiency lighting, geothermal systems for heating and cooling, and possibly solar and wind energy that could be rolled out over time as new technologies become more cost effective, engineers said.
MCC is within Crystal Lake's watershed district, which the plans take into account by featuring plenty of sustainable features like grassy swales, constructed wetlands, infiltration basins, permeable pavers and rain gardens, engineers said.
That was exciting for Nancy Schietzelt, president of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County. “I am so pleased with all the green aspects and the forward-thinking planning,” she said. “The one thing that gives me pause is how much this is going to cost.”
Trustee Dennis Adams, who chairs the finance committee, said that's precisely what the board will tackle next. “We're going to have to really dive into the numbers and figure out how we will tackle funding,” he said. Options include entering into private and public partnerships, seeking donations and embarking into capital fundraising campaign, in addition to asking voters for a future property tax increase, officials said.
MCC hired Wight & Co. in August to do the plan for $126,000. The company conducted focus groups with students, staff, administrators, board members and the community at large to come up with the master plan.