Indiana State celebrates groundbreaking of largest capital project
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Indiana State University says it is planning to help the state’s future workforce through the renovation and expansion of its Technology Annex at the Bailey College of Engineering and Technology.
The university is breaking ground Friday on the $66 million capital improvement project, which is the largest in the school’s history.
President Mike Godard told Inside INdiana Business says the project will allow for more work-based opportunities for students.
“It’s already translating into more opportunities for business and industry engagement. I’ve already been able to have some great conversations with business leaders in our industries…to talk about what else can we do to partner,” Godard said.
In addition to engineering, the school’s construction management, robotics and computer science are located in the building.
“When I think about these fields, I think about how we can be a solution at Indiana State to providing an educated workforce to these high demand areas,” Godard said. “Hopefully, by having that talent pipeline, we can then be a part of attracting or the development of new business coming to the state.”
The project includes a complete renovation of the existing Technology Annex building to modernize and expand capacity as well as laboratory and learning lab space. The first and second floors will also be reconfigured.
Godard says the project has been talked about for years and funding was approved in the state budget passed by the Indiana General Assembly last year. Students and faculty are excited for the renovation, which is expected to be done in 2027.
“It’s a little bit like Christmas Day is coming. You see the presents under the tree, but you can’t open them yet,” he said. “I think it’s that anticipation right now, and that excitement of [we] can’t wait to rip that wrapping paper off the present and be able to see the finished product.”
In addition to students and faculty using the new spaces, Godard hopes employers and the community will be able to come in and learn new skills as well.
Terre Haute-based Garmong Construction will serve as the construction manager, giving some ISU alums the chance to work on a project at their alma mater.
The Technology Annex building was originally built in 1980.