A final push is underway to complete Phase II of Western Illinois University’s Quad Cities campus ahead of student’s arrival this fall.
The $42 million expansion includes three buildings with some 22 classrooms, about a half-dozen laboratories and administrative offices.
All the programs currently at the 60th Street Campus in Moline will be moving in. The space will also house Western’s new Ph.D. program in Environmental Science.
Western Illinois UniversityArchitect Bill Brewer says it’s a tight deadline but he’s confident the work will be completed. The fall semester begins August 25, 2014.
“We are finishing out buildings sort of from west to east," Brewer said. "They are commissioning the building, making sure everything runs okay, final painting, putting equipment and that kind of thing in and getting classrooms fitted out. We have lots to do and it’s going to be a busy time but it’s going to be exciting when we open.”
Western is already looking ahead to Phase III of development. Brewer says the university is seeking input through the end of May from students, faculty and the community as to what it should entail. Western plans to spend about $34 million on Phase III.
Western's Riverfront Campusopened January 2012.
