Campus Improvement Projects

RVC is committed to fostering an environment that supports academic excellence, enhances student experience, and promotes community engagement. As part of this commitment, we're excited to announce several campus improvement projects aimed at elevating our facilities and infrastructure to better serve our students, faculty, and staff.

Important Updates

Notice for Downtown West Campus: The State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) notified the College that these buildings are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The College is agreeing to take measures to mitigate the adverse impacts of the College’s project. Learn more about the notice.

RVC Building Projects RVC Improvement ProjectsView Campus Map

Our Goals

Together, we will build a brighter future for our students and our community.

Enhance Facilities

Embracing Progress: Enhancing Campus Facilities

With a focus on innovation and accessibility, our campus improvement initiatives seek to modernize existing facilities while also introducing new enhancements to meet the evolving needs of our diverse community. From revitalizing classroom spaces to enhancing campus amenities, each project is designed to create a vibrant and inclusive learning environment conducive to student success.

Engage Stakeholders

Community-Centric Approach: Engaging Stakeholders

At RVC, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. We value input from our students, faculty, staff, and community members, and actively involve them in the planning and implementation of campus improvement projects. By working together, we ensure that our initiatives align with the aspirations and priorities of our entire campus community.

Provide Excellence

Commitment to Excellence: Elevating the RVC Experience

Our campus improvement projects reflect our unwavering commitment to excellence in education and service. By investing in our facilities and infrastructure, we aim to create a dynamic and forward-thinking campus environment that inspires learning, fosters innovation, and cultivates personal and professional growth for all who walk through our doors.

RVC Building Projects

RVC is in the preliminary stages of planning a Downtown West campus located at Chestnut and Winnebago/Rockton. We are excited to expand our offerings to better serve the western portion of our college district. The programs we are exploring for inclusion at this location include automotive, e-vehicles, collision repair, early childhood education, truck driver training, human services, criminal justice, adult education, refugee and immigration services. In addition, the college is planning for a community engagement space to better engage adult learners.

Timeline:

  • Sept-Oct 2024: Demo of 3 buildings (Complete Dec 2024 – Jan 2025)
  • March 2025: Groundbreaking Ceremony
  • August 2026: Construction will be complete

In January 2024, Rock Valley College (RVC) received $17,000,000 from the State of Illinois for the remodel of Classroom Building II (CLII). As per the Capital Development Board (CDB) requirements, RVC must contribute a minimum of 25% of the released funds, totaling $5,666,667. With this contribution, the total available funds for the project amount to $22,666,667. The current estimate for the basic remodel of CLII stands at $25,600,000. RVC has the option to add additional funds for extra construction to fulfill other college needs.

  • Funding Source: State of Illinois
  • Total Project Cost: $25,600,000
  • RVC's Required Investment: $5,666,667
  • Total Amount Available: $22,666,667
  • Project Scope: Addition of Blackbox Theater – This option entails the addition of a Blackbox Theater. Estimated cost for RVC: $18,000,000. Total project cost: $35,000,000. Note: The prices listed do not include Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FFE) costs, estimated at approximately $3,700,000. FFE costs will be administered by RVC, not CDB.
  • Anticipated Construction Start: Summer 2026
  • Earliest Ready/Open Date: August 2027

  • Background: In January 2024, Rock Valley College received exciting news from the Capital Development Board (CDB) regarding a significant grant for the remodel of Classroom Building II (CLII). This development prompted the need to relocate current programs housed in CLII temporarily. Among these programs, Massage Therapy and Communications & Marketing stand out as they will not return to CLII after the remodel. Instead, they require new accommodations within the college.
  • Project Scope: Complete renovation of HSC to accommodate Massage Therapy, Communications & Marketing, and additional student space. Estimated cost: $1,900,000.
  • Timeline: Renovation and build-out by Summer 2025

  • Background: When the Health Sciences Center (HSC) was constructed in 2016, cost constraints led to the installation of only one elevator at the south end of the building. This decision, however, has resulted in challenges for individuals requiring vertical access to upper floors, especially during elevator maintenance or malfunctions. Accessible parking spaces were located at the north end of the building, necessitating a long walk for those needing elevator access. Recognizing these difficulties, the need for a second elevator at the north end of the HSC has become evident over the years.
  • Project Scope: Adding a second elevator at the north end of the Health Sciences Center would significantly enhance accessibility and alleviate the hardship faced by students, staff, and community members. While this addition would impact student space on all floors, the existing "RVC Shell Space" on the third floor could be repurposed to accommodate the lost student space.
  • Cost Estimate: The estimated cost for installing a second elevator in 2024 is approximately $1,219,000, with an additional $130,000 earmarked for architect fees. While the College has allocated $500,000 in the capital account for this purpose, funding for the remaining cost could be integrated into the financing plan for the renovation of Classroom Building II.

RVC Improvement Projects

Summer 2024 Main Campus Projects

During the summer of 2024, Rock Valley College embarked on several campus improvement projects aimed at enhancing the overall experience for students, faculty, and staff. Thanks to all of our students, faculty, staff and community members for their patience and cooperation as they navigated our campus during the changes. We extend a special thank you to the RVC Operations team and the construction crews who worked diligently to enhance the campus infrastructure for the betterment of all. Your cooperation and flexibility during this time were greatly appreciated as we continue to strive to create a campus environment that fosters growth, innovation, and excellence.

This project entails the replacement of deteriorating walkways around the Jacobs Center for Science and Math and between the Student Center and the Physical Education Center at Rock Valley College's main campus. Additionally, it addresses the seal coating and re-striping of Parking Lot 1, which is also located on the main campus. The current walkways are in poor condition, and the parking lot stripes are no longer visible, necessitating upgrades to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. The work will be carried out by Stenstrom Excavation & Blacktop Group Rockford, IL with a cost not to exceed $821,677.45. This project is complete.

This project involves the removal and replacement of existing flooring and wall base in the Stenstrom Student Center. The work will be carried out by Boss Carpet One located in Dixon, IL, with an estimated cost of $221,700.00. This capital expense is aimed at improving the aesthetics and functionality of the student center, providing a more conducive environment for students and visitors. This project has been completed; impacted departments have returned to their original locations.

This project involves the replacement of two aging air handling units (AHUs) located in the Woodward Technology Center. Helm Service, formerly known as Mechanical Inc, based in Freeport, IL, will handle the equipment procurement and installation. The existing AHUs, which are over forty years old, will be upgraded to improve the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system's efficiency and reliability. This project has been completed; impacted departments have returned to their original locations.

This project is for a single prime contract that will consist of the construction of a new shed, driveway, electrical equipment in the new shed, modifications to electrical services at Building F and Building E, new and re-routed underground electrical, demolition of select trees, and demolition of the existing shed. This project is necessary because the existing shed is badly deteriorated. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Grant will cover $100,000.

Scandroli Construction Rockford, IL – Not to exceed $467,190.00. This expense is for removing and reconstructing the Power Shed located near Building E on the main campus. 

Contact Us

Any questions or feedback may be directed to Vicki Brust, Project Manager, at (815) 921-4312.