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Gov. Pat Quinn and WIU President Jack Thomas, along with local legislators and civic leaders, cut the ribbon for Phase II of the WIU-QC Riverfront campus.
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WIU-QC Riverfront Campus Phase II Grand Opening

September 3, 2014

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MOLINE, IL — Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, Western Illinois University President Jack Thomas and numerous government and civic leaders gathered today (Sept. 3) to celebrate the grand opening of Phase II of the Western Illinois University-Quad Cities Riverfront campus.

"It is a great day for Western Illinois University as we celebrate the grand opening of our new facilities on the WIU-Quad Cities Riverfront campus," said WIU President Jack Thomas. "As the only public higher education institution in the Quad Cities, Western Illinois University provides the citizens of this region with outstanding academic opportunities. Our success would not be possible without the backing we have received from this community. We are grateful for the support and the commitment we have received through the years from Gov. Pat Quinn, area legislators, our community college partners, civic and business leaders, as well as numerous Quad Cities organizations."

The 94,800 square foot Phase II complex houses academic programs in the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education and Human Services and Fine Arts and Communication, as well as the US Bank Writing Center, testing center, academic advising and student services. The new buildings also house programs and services from the current WIU-QC 60th Street campus, including the library and classes offered through the Quad Cities Graduate Study Center.

"Mark Twain knew it, and the people of the Quad Cities know it too – there is great opportunity along the river," Gov. Quinn. "Western's Riverfront Campus continues to grow and provide education for the jobs of today and tomorrow. With more than $60 million invested in Phases I and II of the campus, the State of Illinois is proud to be a partner in moving the Quad Cities forward."

In 2003, a donation from Deere & Company of 20 acres of land on the Moline riverfront provided the stimulus for an expanded WIU Quad Cities campus. Six years later, Gov. Quinn announced the renovation of approximately 60,000-square-feet of space for the WIU-QC Riverfront campus. The funding was part of the Illinois Jobs Now! capital plan.

"It is an incredible honor and so humbling to witness today's great accomplishment for the Quad Cities Region and Western Illinois University," said Joe Rives, vice president of Quad Cities and planning. "Serving as the public choice, we have provided more facilities for expanded educational opportunities that will benefit current and future generations of students, faculty, staff and alumni that we recruit and retain in the region. Moreover, the past work of Phase I and the future work of Phase III is incredibly exciting as we help students and the community build our shared future."

The first building on the Riverfront Campus, which is the former John Deere Tech Center, opened January 2012 and supports the College of Business and Technology, including the School of Engineering and WQPT-Quad Cities public television. The total cost of Phase I was $18.4 million.

"Phase II demonstrates Governor Quinn's commitment to higher education, green building design and the people of the Quad Cities," said Capital Development Board Executive Director Jim Underwood. "The Capital Development Board was proud to work on this project, which created jobs during construction and will continue to help fill jobs with well-trained graduates."


The City of Moline also has an initiative underway to revitalize the area surrounding the WIU-QC Riverfront campus into a community and University-friendly development. WIU officials continue to work with campus and community leaders on Phase III planning.

"It is truly an exciting day in Moline as we celebrate the grand opening of Phase II of the brand new Western Illinois University-Quad Cities campus. We should be very proud of all of our efforts to make this project a reality," said Moline Mayor Scott Raes. "I would like to thank all of the elected officials, the men and women of Western Illinois University, the City of Moline staff and Renew Moline for working together to develop this site. Let's keep this momentum moving forward as we continue growing the campus and the surrounding property."

"The WIU-QC Riverfront Campus we are celebrating today is a true example of what can be accomplished through regional goals, vision and efforts. Building a campus from the ground up is a once in a lifetime opportunity, which will have impacts for many generations not only because of the buildings themselves and the businesses that grow as a result, but also because of the knowledge passed along to the workforce of tomorrow," said Janet Mathis, executive director of Renew Moline. "This is economic development at its finest, and I am proud to be of part of what has happened thus far, as well as what is to come."

Like Building One on the Riverfront campus, Phase II buildings are sustainably constructed and operated. Green amenities will include geothermal heating and cooling, emphasis on use of daylight, native landscaping, green roof treatments and an emphasis on energy efficiency. Western will pursue LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification, which builds on the LEED Silver certification received for Phase 1.

"The expansion of this campus means more young people can stay in the community and become leaders while also providing new opportunities for people to start new careers and learn new skills. I'm proud of the investments we have made to promote economic opportunities for our community and continuing to grow our local workforce," said Sen. Mike Jacobs.

"Higher education is a critical element for economic development, and through this expansion of WIU-QC, our Quad Cities area will reap the benefits for decades to come. It has been an honor to work with the governor, my colleagues, our community leaders and the administration of Western Illinois University on Phase II of this project. Our work is not complete though. I urge my colleagues and the Governor to fund Phase III of the WIU-QC plan. We should all remember, this expansion was critical not only in terms of the jobs it created through construction, but also because it provides for stronger employment opportunities for the entire Quad Cities now and into the future," said Rep. Pat Verschoore.

"The Western Illinois University Quad City Campus is a tremendous asset to our area," said Rep. Mike Smiddy. "Our kids can go to a public four-year university without leaving the Quad Cities and the economic development that WIU stimulates will help ensure when those students graduate, they can find good-paying jobs right here at home."

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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