Ivy Tech Community College announced a collaboration with the Cummins Foundation as the college plans for its $32 million new main campus building in Columbus.
The proposed 80,000-square-foot building will be built at the Columbus Air Park behind the college’s current main campus building, Poling Hall, 4475 Central Ave. It will replace the aging Poling Hall with a facility that caters to modern technology, collaboration, academics and student learning.
“A new campus facility will significantly improve the learning and collaborative environments for our students and employees,” said Steven Combs, Ivy Tech Columbus chancellor.
The Cummins Foundation Architecture Program will recommend architects for consideration and provide funds for the design portion of the college’s new campus building.
This will represent the first building project sponsored by the Cummins Foundation Architecture Program since the design of the neighboring Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence at the Columbus Air Park in 2009.
A team from the Cummins Foundation will generate a list of five architects for the college to consider. Ivy Tech Columbus plans to host a public charrette for its employees and community members in December where architects will share their design concepts for the campus.
Selection is underway to name an Indiana-based architect of record and contractor who will manage the building project. The Ivy Tech Foundation will also receive the Architecture Program grant from the Cummins Foundation once an architect is selected.
Funding for the new Columbus building was approved by the Indiana Legislature earlier this year and is included in the 2019-2021 Indiana state budget. The college anticipates breaking ground in 2020 and taking occupancy in 2022.
Mary Chandler, vice president of corporate responsibility for Cummins Inc. and CEO of the Cummins Foundation, said Ivy Tech has served Columbus residents and surrounding communities for more than 50 years with “invaluable educational pathways toward rewarding careers.”
“We are delighted to support the college as they prepare to build for their future and contribute to the landscape of architectural excellence in Bartholomew County,” Chandler said.
Ivy Tech currently serves Bartholomew, Decatur, Jackson and Jennings counties, offers more than 30 programs as pathways to high-demand careers and affordable options to obtain a bachelor’s degree.
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For more information about Ivy Tech Community College – Columbus, visit ivytech.edu/columbus/.
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