Champaign (Ill.) district plans $11.2 million renovation of alternative education facility

The Champaign (Ill.) school district is allocating $11.2 million to renovate a facility that houses several of its alternative education programs.

The funds to upgrade the Columbia Center will come from the district's American Rescue Plan Act, reports The News Gazette. 

An assessment from GHR Engineers and Associates last semester showed the Columbia facility needed significant mechanical, electrical and plumbing improvements.

The project will make the building more compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act. That includes a new elevator, ramps and renovated restrooms. 

The renovation also will add a sprinkler system and upgraded fire alarms, and replace the building’s HVAC system, all of its windows, its roof and the 100-year-old plumbing system.

Reifsteck Reid & Company Architects is the architect.