Illinois Capital Development Board Announces Design Firm for Rebuild Illinois Funded Renovation and Construction of Nursing Building at Chicago State University

CHICAGO - The Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) has selected Stantec Architecture as the preferred architectural design firm for the renovation and construction of the Nursing Lab and Simulated Hospital at Chicago State University. CDB will oversee the project's design and construction in accordance with the protocol for state-appropriated projects.

Through Governor Pritzker's bipartisan capital plan, the first in nearly a decade, Chicago State University will receive nearly $50 million for capital improvements. The administration has released $2.5 million to begin work on multiphase project on Douglas Hall which houses the nursing school and will include a new nursing simulation laboratory. total of $25.8 million will be allocated for the Douglas Hall renovations, along with $17.9 million for the college to complete additional critical maintenance work over the life of the Rebuild Illinois plan. CSU is also slated to receive $2.8 million from the state for its Center for Solutions of Urban Population as part of the Discovery Partners Institute initiative.

"It is the duty of elected officials to equip young people with the tools they need to shape their futures and achieve their dreams," said Governor JB Pritzker. "The new state-of-the-art nursing facility at Chicago State University will train thousands of students for jobs in the fast-growing medical profession. Students who learn at the new facility won't just be prepared to fill healthcare jobs; they'll be prepared to lead the profession."
 
"CDB has teamed with Chicago State University, and Stantec Architecture along with their diverse subconsultants for the completion of this project. We recognize that this project presents a unique opportunity to provide CSU Health Science students a facility to enhance their educational nursing experience," said CDB Executive Director Jim Underwood.

"Stantec Architecture Inc has assembled a team of architects, Interior Designers and Engineering Consultants to execute the New Nursing Department in renovated Douglas Hall on the Chicago State University campus.  Our diverse team has worked together on numerous higher education and healthcare-based project.  The team has just completed the Program Analysis Phase, which will be submitted to the State of Illinois Capital Development Board on Monday, February 02, 2021.  Pending State approval, we will be moving into the Schematic Design Phase in early March.  This exciting enhancement to the Health Sciences curriculum at Chicago State University will provide a wide range of educational opportunities to its south side neighborhood and greater Chicagoland," said William Ketcham from Stantec Architecture.

State Representative Nicholas Smith, a graduate of Chicago State University, was pleased with the announcement. "As a proud product of Chicago State University, I'm excited to have helped bring this much needed upgrade to our community." Smith added, "Members of Health Sciences fields have been vital throughout the pandemic, demonstrating the importance of being on the forefront of nursing and medical service education. The health needs of this community have been neglected for far too long, and this is an important step in closing that gap."

State Senator Elgie Sims also applauded the project announcement. "The selection of an architect is a landmark step forward in upgrading the Health Sciences program at Chicago State University. The health care needs of the southside of the city of Chicago have been greatly demonstrated in recent months, and it's important for my residents to be on the forefront of education and training in this ever-emerging career path. I'm thankful to see this level of commitment and investment from the State of Illinois," said Sims.

The historic Rebuild Illinois capital plan passed with bipartisan super-majorities and will invest $45 billion in roads, bridges, railways, universities, early childhood centers and state facilities like the new crime lab and veterans' homes, creating and supporting an estimated 540,000 jobs over the life of the six-year plan and revitalizing local economies across the state.