dupage-student-services-center-renovation
- Facts and Figures
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Owner: College of DuPage
Estimated Completion Date: May 2025
- Delivery Method
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CM @ Risk
Owner: College of DuPage
Estimated Completion Date: May 2025
CM @ Risk
Mortenson is currently completing a renovation of the Student Services Center (SSC) at the College of DuPage (COD) in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. In 2011, Mortenson completed the original build of the SSC, which is one of five projects we've successfully delivered for the College over the past 15 years.
In alignment with the College of DuPage Facilities Master Plan, the goal for this three-floor, 90,000-square-foot renovation is to improve Student Affairs functionality and services to provide a more inclusive, coordinated student experience with the flexibility to adapt to future needs.
Phase 1 kicked off in March 2024, with a complete interior demolition and subsequent build-out of three floors of the south side of the building. The first floor is now home to more-defined areas for Student Life and Brew 425, COD’s café and coffee shop, as well as a welcoming Multi-Cultural Hub. The third floor is home to Counseling, Career Services, Veterans Services, and numerous informal collaboration spaces. The second floor is home to the most significant and transformational aspect of Phase 1, which is a unified “one-stop” enrollment center that encompasses financial aid, registration, and admissions.
As Phase 1 was opening to students and staff in October 2024, the team started work on Phase 2 on the north side of the building. The second phase is aimed at creating significant improvements to the overall flow and functionality of the building. One of the highlights of Phase 2 is configuring a more defined and memorable exterior main entrance to the SSC. Within the building, an existing central staircase will be removed, and a new stacked staircase will be built towards the main entrance improving line of sight, usable space, and connectivity between floors. The first-floor atrium space will have a lounge feel and a portion will be optimized for events with informal gathering areas, flexible seating, and a large digital presentation wall.
The SSC serves as the heart of campus and has remained fully open and occupied during both phases of construction. Alternative walking paths and an extensive wayfinding system were developed with the College and communicated through multiple mediums to campus users. Temporary walls with sound insulation panels were erected to reduce noise and visual disruption, while also serving as a safety barrier to keep students and staff separated from the work in progress.
Mortenson is committed to diverse business participation and collaborated with the College to implement a strategic, multi-faceted MWBE outreach plan that was in alignment with public procurement rules. The plan included leveraging our partnerships with diverse contracting organizations, hosting outreach events, right-sizing bid packages, and notifying MWBE trade partners well before the bid was released to generate interest and give them time to prepare. The project is on track to exceed participation goals set by the College.