Indiana State University broke ground Friday for the $66 million renovation/expansion of the Technology Annex at the Bailey College of Engineering and Technology.
It is the largest capital project funded by the Indiana Legislature in university history.
The project represents a major investment in the university and Indiana’s future workforce, officials say.
Those attending the groundbreaking near Sixth and Cherry streets included ISU administrators, state officials, and Wabash Valley community leaders.
“This is a transformational day for Indiana State University,” said Mike Godard, ISU president. The addition/renovation project “demonstrates our commitment to supporting Indiana’s workforce needs by providing students with the advanced skills and education necessary to fill high-demand jobs.”
The renovation will provide upgraded labs, teaching spaces and state-of-the-art technology benefiting the college’s computer science, robotics, construction management and engineering programs, Godard said.
It also will reconfigure the corner of Sixth and Cherry streets to create “an inviting and welcoming entrance to our campus,” he said.
Another goal is to attract student enrollment, the ISU president said.
He gave special thanks to Steve and Gloria Bailey for an $8 million donation dedicated to student scholarships and faculty research within the college.
Thanks to the Baileys’ donation and the $66 million facility investment, “We’ve already seen an increase in enrollment” in the Baily College of Engineering and Technology, Godard said.
Terre Haute-based Garmong Construction will serve as the construction manager for the project, which is targeted for substantial completion by Jan. 1, 2027. Ratio Architects designed the project.
Project highlights include:
• A complete renovation of the existing Technology Annex building to modernize and expand capacity.
• Two new additions to increase space for advanced training.
• Reconfiguration of first and second floors to enhance teaching, collaboration and innovation.
• The addition of new entryways, lobbies, and modernized infrastructure.
Other components include workshops and laboratories for hands-on learning; a new fire sprinkler system throughout the building; and solar panels on the roof to promote energy efficiency and sustainability.
Bob Casey, chair of ISU’s board of trustees, said the groundbreaking “is not just the start of a building. It symbolizes Indiana State’s commitment to innovation. We are creating a space for the next generation of engineers, aviators and others who will collaborate, problem-solve and innovate for the betterment of our community and beyond.”
Godard gave special recognition to Jon Ford, former state senator and now a member of the ISU board of trustees, for his role in securing state funding for the project.
The project “is focused on helping to create the STEM workforce that Indiana needs to move forward,” Ford said.
The Legislature approved cash funding for the project in 2023. “The state doesn’t do that quite often,” Ford said. “It shows how significant this project was.”
Other speakers included state representatives Bob Heaton and Tonya Pfaff and State Sen. Greg Goode.
“Who is fired up to be a Sycamore on Homecoming weekend?” Goode said, comments that drew an enthusiastic response.
He spoke of the important role ISU has to play in the global competition to be the best in science and innovation.
Pfaff commented, “I look forward to seeing how this building will inspire the next generation of leaders.”
Godard said demolition work for the project has been underway the past few months, and work on the 25,000-square-foot addition to the annex is about to begin.