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The WIU-QC Riverfront Campus today ...
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WIU-QC Riverfront Phase 1 Substantial Completion Nov. 7

November 7, 2011

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MOLINE, IL -- What a difference a year makes ....

One year ago, Phase One on the Western Illinois University-Quad Cities Riverfront campus was merely a skeleton structure of the former John Deere Tech Center. Today (Nov. 7), the 60,000-square-foot building will reach substantial completion, which means WIU-QC will receive the keys to the new campus.

Since Spring 2010, the facility has been undergoing a significant renovation project that will expand WIU-QC learning locations. Phase One will support the College of Business and Technology, including the MBA program, as well as all other undergraduate classes and the School of Engineering, academic and student services and University administration. Undergraduate elementary education classes and all other graduate classes will be offered at WIU-QC's 60th Street campus.

"It is exciting to watch the community's dream of the Western Illinois University-Quad Cities Riverfront Campus become a reality," said WIU President Jack Thomas. "We take great pride in serving as the public university choice for the Quad Cities and beyond."

Vice President for Quad Cities, Planning and Technology Joseph Rives added, "Western will continue its diligence in working with community leaders and organizations to continue the pursuit of Phases II and III of the Riverfront Campus. We look forward to celebrating the start of classes at our new facility in January. Details surrounding a ribbon-cutting and grand opening will be announced as plans are finalized."

The project's construction, which has been completed under Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) specifications, began in March 2010. To achieve LEED certification, construction processes included the recycling of construction debris; the inclusion of a vegetated roof in some areas; the installation of a geothermal heating and cooling system; and the utilization of cork flooring. The level of LEED certification will be announced upon total building completion.

"We appreciate the hard work put forth by the project contractors and the State of Illinois Capital Development Board in getting us to this point. Next on the list is the installation of furniture, equipment and technology and finalizing the remaining construction," said Bill Brewer, University architect.

In addition to the construction of Phase One, the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) released $4 million for the next step of architectural and engineering design for Phase Two on the Riverfront Campus. WIU-QC will be ready for construction as soon as the previously appropriated $38 million as part of the 2009 Illinois Jobs Now capital funding bill is released, Rives added.

"It's an exciting time to be a college student in the Quad Cities," said Chad Rosenow, WIU-QC Student Government Association president. "The opening of the Riverfront Campus will expand the opportunities to receive an excellent education. We will have the look and feel of a traditional college, while being able to develop close relationships with peers, faculty and community members."

For more information about Western Illinois University-Quad Cities Riverfront campus, contact (309) 762-9481, or visit wiu.edu/qc.

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