Millions in money from Illinois will fund SIUC communications building overhaul
The aging communications building at Southern Illinois University Carbondale will soon become what Gov. J.B. Pritzker calls a “state of the art” facility thanks to state funding.
Pritzker visited SIUC Tuesday to announce the initial $8.3 million installment to renovate and expand the 56-year-old building. It is slated for a complete overhaul with an estimated $83 million over the next six years from the Rebuild Illinois capital plan, a state-funded infrastructure program.
At 229,050 square feet, the facility houses communications studies in addition to the local NPR affiliate and the Daily Egyptian student newspaper. Another 60,000 square feet will be added as part of the renovations.
Improvements include “new classroom space, fully equipped and flexible auditorium space, laboratory rooms, digital post-production suites,” in addition to a combined broadcast and print newsroom, according to a statement from the governor’s office.
SIU Edwardsville is expected to receive $24 million from the capital plan for miscellaneous improvements. SIUC will receive an additional $3.1 million in state money for roof repairs and new water lines.
This story was originally published January 22, 2020 at 12:27 PM.
