Waubonsee Community College to build in Plano

Waubonsee Community College is moving forward with its 2020 College Master Plan by moving closer to building in Plano.

The Plano City Council recently approved the site plan for the college's Plano campus. Waubonsee will build a 33,000-square-foot building on nine acres on Route 34 west of Eldamain Road, near Lake Plano.

"We're in a period of growth, both the college and the community," said Jeff Noblitt, director of marketing and communications. "In order to meet the growing needs of the community, we needed to grow as a college. We're excited to be coming to Plano. It will give residents there access to a comprehensive college campus."

Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2009 and the campus will open for classes in spring 2011. Students will be able to complete all the credits needed for an associate degree in a variety of career and transfer degree programs at the Plano campus without having to take courses at the main campus in Sugar Grove, or at the college's downtown Aurora campus.

The Plano campus is part of the college's 2020 Master Plan which provides a blueprint for growth and was approved by voters through referendums in 2002 and 2003.

Under the 2020 plan, the college has also expanded the Sugar Grove campus with the opening of a campus operations building in 2005, a science building in 2006, and an academic and professional center in 2007. The center houses social sciences and includes an event room for community and business groups. Expansion also includes the opening of a student center in Sugar Grove in spring 2009.