College of DuPage board approves agreement for Innovation DuPage renovation
The College of DuPage board of trustees has approved a license agreement with the Village of Glen Ellyn that finalizes the location of Innovation DuPage in the Glen Ellyn Civic Center, with renovation work expected to be completed by the end of 2018.
"We are happy to embark on this partnership with the Village of Glen Ellyn for an initiative that will benefit regional economic development," said College of DuPage President Dr. Ann Rondeau. "Downtown Glen Ellyn is an ideal location for Innovation DuPage, and we look forward to beginning the renovation process."
The college now will move forward with plans to renovate 8,200 square feet of currently vacant space in the Glen Ellyn Civic Center for Innovation DuPage, the new business incubator and accelerator developed by College of DuPage and partners Choose DuPage, Rev3, Benedictine University, Elmhurst College and the Village of Glen Ellyn. A feasibility study earlier this year found the space can accommodate Innovation DuPage and the renovation cost will be approximately $2 million.
The board of trustees approved the license agreement for long-term use of space in the Glen Ellyn Civic Center that was once occupied by the Glen Ellyn Police Department. This follows a vote in November by the board of trustees of the Village of Glen Ellyn that approved the execution of the agreement.
During its Dec. 14 meeting, the college's board of trustees also approved a supplemental memorandum of understanding (SMOU) that stipulates the terms of a joint renovation initiative with the Village of Glen Ellyn, which would like to work on other portions of the Civic Center at the same time that space is being overhauled for Innovation DuPage.
Joe Cassidy, dean of continuing education at College of DuPage, said the college is eager to begin renovations after successfully working with community partners on developing Innovation DuPage.
"The entire process has been a positive one, and we are grateful for everything that our partners are bringing to the project," he said. "The potential for Innovation DuPage is enormous, and we are ready to move forward."
The latest votes by the college's board of trustees follow a productive fall in developing Innovation DuPage. In October, the board adopted a resolution authorizing the creation of Innovation DuPage as a nonprofit entity, while in December the DuPage County Board passed a formal proclamation supporting Innovation DuPage.
Deanne Mazzochi, chairman of the College of DuPage board of trustees, said Innovation DuPage will benefit both local and regional economies, which in turn will positively impact the residents of District 502.
"After nearly a year of working on plans for Innovation DuPage, it is exciting to see the project come together," she said. "We continue to hear positive feedback about the initiative."
John Carpenter, president and CEO of Choose DuPage, said Innovation DuPage will provide a boost to economic development that will result in long-term benefits for the region.
"Most of the jobs in our local and regional economies are created by small businesses," he said. "If the DuPage County economy is to grow and flourish, it's imperative that we establish an environment which encourages the growth and success of small businesses. Innovation DuPage will allow entrepreneurs to pursue dreams and turn ideas into successful enterprises."
For more information about Innovation DuPage, visit innovationdupage.org.