Justin Ramirez can tell you what it was like at the Ivy Tech Emilio De la Garza campus’s machine shop last year — cramped, noisy and lacking any flow.
Now after what felt like forever of dust and noise, Ramirez, a machine technologies student at the East Chicago campus, is proud of its new look for which he as well as school and city officials cut the ribbon on the new remodel Oct. 8. The fact that he and his classmates can move is probably the best part, he said
“I’m still getting used to it, but it’s a breath of fresh air to be here now,” he during a reception to celebrate. “Well worth the wait.”
Coming in at $12 million raised through fundraising, contractors Berglund Construction cut out the floor between the first and second stories to create an upstairs level that housed study pods, Ivy Tech spokeswoman Donna Kiesling said. Then they added more windows to lighten and brighten the more than 50-year-old building and made it more ADA compliant.
New lighting and furniture, as well as a futuristic well-lit entrance, round out previous work on the welding lab and some classroom spaces, she said.
“The renovation not only transformed the physical appearance of our campus here, but it’s also created a more functional, accessible and inspiring space that reflects the innovative spirit of Ivy Tech,” said Chancellor Marcos Rodriquez Jr. “We’re confident it’ll serve as a catalyst for economic growth.”
When Ivy Tech came to East Chicago from Hammond in 1994, there were a lot of people who never believed the school would stick around, Mayor Anthony Copeland said. He defies anyone to say that now.
“Now, you have the ultimate commitment (with such a huge remodel), Copeland said. “When you come up the driveway, it stands out as the latest monument we have.”
“They’ve done it again!” Foundations of East Chicago Chairman Frank Weems said. “There were so many rumors that Ivy Tech was going to leave, but with this, they’re here to stay, and I want to thank you.”
“Today is not the celebration of buildings, brick, mortar and steel,” added U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland. “It is about opportunity for the residents of Lake County and East Chicago. It is of the belief that we all understand when we work together, we can do great things.”
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
