Illinois State University is trying to revive a stalled dorm and dining center project and, separately, wants to put a solar farm on the land, roofs, and maybe parking structures at its College of Engineering campus on GE Road in Bloomington.
Those proposals will go before ISU's Board of Trustees in a special meeting on Friday.
Residence hall
ISU previously put a hold on the South Campus residence hall and dining center project in 2022. Just the design phase of the project up for approval this week would cost up to $8 million. The total preliminary project budget is $200 million, documents show.
A consultant’s study suggests the campus needs 1,200 new beds to meet student needs after several older residence halls closed. This project is not that big — only 900 beds. Enrollment has been rising slightly for several years.
The dining center would have 450 seats and ease pressure on the Watterson Dining Commons that now serves more than 70% of the meals on campus.
Solar farm
Trustees also will decide whether to go for a $16.5 million solar array at the G.E. Road College of Engineering facility. This would save an estimated $6.5 million in energy costs over 20 years.
ISU is rushing the project through the trustees this week to meet a deadline to receive state and federal help. Those grants could pay about 20% of the cost, according to documents prepared for the board.
The university says the solar energy system will reduce utility payments for the buildings by about 85% over two decades and help even out price spikes. Other selling points are that the solar energy facility would be a hands-on learning lab for engineering students and a highly visible sign of innovation for both the community and potential students.
ISU plans to pay for it through borrowing.
Starbucks
Illinois State would pay Starbucks $3.5 million over the next three years to keep the brand name coffee shop in the Bone Student Center. The money will pay for royalties, marketing, license fees, food costs, and other expenses.
ISU said Starbucks is a popular destination and keeping it in the Bone satisfies student and faculty wishes for a "well-recognized" coffee option.
Naming rights
Trustees also are set to act on proposed naming rights for three campus facilities.
The concert hall stage at the university Center for Performing Arts would bear the names of Jerry and Carole Ringer, well-known community patrons. Jerry Ringer was a founding board member of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival at ISU and has served on several boards. Carole Ringer has held a variety of philanthropic positions, including with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and Illinois Prairie Community Foundation.
“The Ringers' financial commitments to the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts will elevate student experiences for years to come,”the university states in documents for trustees.
The north gym at Horton Field House and the 213-office suite in CEFCU Arena will become the Doug and Kathy Collins Gym and the Doug and Kathy Collins Athletics Leadership Suite in recognition of support from the ISU basketball great and his wife.
Doug Collins was an ISU standout, Olympian, and storied pro basketball star.
