The School of Education and the Purdue College of Technology may have a new building to call home in 2010. The IU System has approved initial plans for a new on campus facility, and will submit a funding request to the state legislature in January.

To campus administrators, a new home for the School of Education and Purdue’s College of Technology can’t come soon enough.

“When it comes down to it, there’s simply not enough room on campus to comfortably accommodate all of our programs,” said Lawrence Mand, vice chancellor for Information Technology and Community Engagement.

“Right now, our two biggest programs, the School of Education and the Business School, are occupying Hillside Hall. Both programs are literally running out of space, and need additional space to allow for future growth,” he said.

The addition of a new building will also accommodate growth within the Purdue College of Technology, which currently operates out of Physical Sciences. The college is in the midst of a transition to a four year bachelor’s program, generating increased interest and enrollment.

“It’s all a balancing act,” Mand said. “When Purdue moves into the new building, natural sciences are planning to take their space. This new facility is going to be a big step for the campus, a huge piece of the puzzle.”

Though talk of the new facility is generating excitement, the planning is still in an early stage.

“If we are approved by the legislature, the process really begins,” Mand said. “If that happens, we start working with the IU Architect’s office to determine what exactly the building should include, and they will draft a design and blueprints to reflect our needs.”

While initial estimates are rough, the new facility is expected to cost around $20 million and contain 70,000 sq. feet.
 
“This is going to be a first class presence on campus,” Mand said, “and it won’t be a minute too soon.”

By ZAK OWENS
Staff Writer
zowens@ius.edu