4/12/2005
The Public Building Commission of Chicago today announced the selection of a construction manager for the new Kennedy-King College campus construction project.
PBC board members voted to select Chicago-based McClier Corporation as the construction manager for the campus project. The PBC is overseeing the $192 million project on behalf of the City Colleges of Chicago. The new 40-acre Kennedy-King campus will be located at 63rd and Halsted streets in the heart of Englewood’s former business district.
McClier will be responsible for soliciting bids as well as managing the construction process. The firm will also help the PBC execute its plan to ensure minority inclusion within the contracting process as well as identify employment opportunities for community residents.
“The new Kennedy-King College will play a key role in the City’s commitment to revitalize the Englewood community,” PBC Executive Director Montel Gayles said. A new library and senior citizen center are already complete with plans under way to add a new police station, fire station, health facility as well as planned residential and commercial/retail development.
“Bringing a community anchor such as the new Kennedy-King College campus to Englewood will be a boon to its economic growth and enhance the quality of life for local residents and the greater South Side,” Gayles said.
The project is scheduled to be completed by fall 2007.
In addition to new state-of-the-art facilities and increased space for academic programs, the new campus will serve Englewood residents by providing community-wide access to the campus library, day-care center, sports facilities, swimming pool, bookstore and restaurants.
The PBC board also selected Turner Construction Company to serve in a contingency capacity in case a timely resolution of negotiations with McClier cannot be reached. The move was made as a means of maintaining the PBC’s schedule for completing the project.
The PBC manages construction and renovation projects for the City Colleges as well as the City of Chicago and its other sister agencies. Mayor Richard M. Daley serves as the PBC’s chairman. Additional information about the PBC and its projects is available at the agency’s Web site: pbcchicago.com.
