CLC expansion depends on state funding
Whether College of Lake County can expand programs at its Lakeshore Campus to a new 72,000-square-foot building at an additional location in downtown Waukegan hinges on state funding being available within the next two years.
CLC trustees recently approved a memorandum of understanding with the city of Waukegan that says the community college intends to purchase land along the west side of Sheridan Road, between Clayton and Madison streets, for $1 in order to build a new structure there for approximately $47.9 million.
In June 2009, Gov. Pat Quinn announced the building was slated for state funding, which would cover three fourths of the cost.
“The College of Lake County is excited about our enhanced partnership with Waukegan and we look forward to providing additional programs and services for the community,” CLC Board Chairman Barbara Oilschlager said.
Once Waukegan and CLC have signed a contract for the transaction, the college has two years to secure funding for the new structure to replace the former offices of the News-Sun newspaper. The memorandum says a two-year extension may be possible if the city, CLC, the Illinois Community College Board approve it and state funding is obtained.
“The city of Waukegan is thrilled to join with the college to do something to our mutual benefit,” said attorney Newton Finn, corporate counsel for the city of Waukegan.
CLC has already made a sizable investment in downtown Waukegan with the existing Lakeshore Campus of about 92,000 square feet, which would continue to operate with construction of the new building. Plus, in October, the CLC board approved spending about $483,000 to buy three parcels — 122, 126 and 128 Madison Avenue — adjacent to the existing Lakeshore Campus.
The Lakeshore Campus offers courses required for earning an Associate in Arts degree before transferring to a university, plus health care programs such as dental hygiene, medical assisting, phlebotomy and nurse assisting.
“Our plan is to use the future building to expand the number of academic programs and the level of support services offered at Lakeshore,” said David Agazzi, CLC's vice president for administrative affairs.
CLC is completing a master plan for all three of its campuses – Grayslake, Lakeshore and Southlake in Vernon Hills. With that plan, options being considered for the new structure in Waukegan include culinary arts, expanding visual arts, expanding the number of transfer courses offered, providing a full-service library and additional health care academic programs.