March 31, 2021 – The Illinois Capital Development Board today announced $561,488 has been released for the renovation of the Shilling Community Education Center and Bistro at Richland Community College from the state, with local matching funds supporting a total investment of $748,650. The funding will help address deferred maintenance projects on the Richland Community College campus that have been stalled due to a lack of investment by previous administrations. Made possible by Governor Pritzker’s bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan, the first in nearly a decade, the renovation work will create good jobs and economic opportunities for residents in the surrounding community. CDB will oversee the project’s renovation under the protocol for state-appropriated capital projects.
“It is the duty of elected officials to provide young people with the tools and resources they need to shape their future and achieve their dreams,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With funding from the Rebuild Illinois capital plan, Richland Community College will be able to complete long-needed maintenance work and complete the Shilling Community Education Center and Bistro, further cementing its place as an educational leader in the community.”
The project includes the replacement of the seating, flooring, and wall finishes in the Shilling Auditorium theater. This project will also upgrade the electrical system and replace select lighting in the building.
“We are very pleased to receive this support from the State via the Rebuild Illinois capital program,” said Dr. Cris Valdez, President of Richland Community College. “This specific project will allow Richland Community College to upgrade the Shilling Auditorium and Bistro 537, the working laboratory for our award-winning culinary arts programs. Both of these facilities are great assets for the College and the communities we serve.”
