If you’ve been on the Godfrey Campus lately, you’ve probably noticed that the Baldwin, Caldwell & Fobes buildings are closed. They are all undergoing major renovations that are part of a massive $50 million renovation project that will officially transform the Main Complex with updated classrooms, offices, student services, and common areas.
In 2022, Governor Pritzker visited the Godfrey Campus and announced $37.5 million in state funding for the project. LC’s Board of Trustees provided the remaining $12.5 million.
The original plan was to renovate all five buildings in the Main Complex—Wade, Reid, Caldwell, Baldwin, and Fobes. However, rising construction costs and inflation meant the project had to be restructured. The current project focuses on Fobes, Baldwin and Caldwell Halls.
One of the biggest changes will be the creation of a more centralized student services and enrollment area. Fobes Hall will become the main starting point for students navigating the enrollment process: the Enrollment and Advising departments will be located on the 1st floor, while the Financial Aid and Bursar will be on the 2nd floor. The 3rd floor will house the Assessment Center and Access & Accommodations. Additionally, the Fobes new entrance will create a more welcoming, less intimidating space for new students.
Caldwell Hall will feature a new Center for Student Engagement, bringing together Student Activities, Student Government, student clubs, the Dean of Students, and IT Help Desk services.
Baldwin is getting some changes too: the Annex will become a new home for the College for Life program, and the building will also include Marketing & PR and Adult Education. Additionally, the classrooms and offices throughout both Baldwin and Caldwell will be renovated and updated, and there will be new spaces for programs such as Early Childhood Development. Other spaces throughout the buildings will house Mental Health Counseling, Academic Affairs, Adult Education, and other student and academic services.
The goal of the renovation is to bring important services closer together and make the whole student experience easier. The project also focuses on creating more spaces where students can study, hang out, get involved, and connect with other students.
Don’t worry: the beautiful historic character of the Main Complex will be preserved, although students can expect the addition of some more modern features such as better lighting, improved signs and wayfinding, more natural light and open spaces, updated furniture, LC branding and graphics, along with new student lounges and gathering areas.
Construction is expected to take around 18 months, with the buildings expected to reopen in early 2028. In the meantime, take a sneak peak at the rendering of the proposed updates!
Source: https://www.lc.edu/college-information/renovation.html
