FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2014
BLOOMINGTON – Ivy Tech Community College-Bloomington is currently taking bids to begin construction on a new Ivy Tech Waldron Plaza downtown, along Fourth and Walnut Streets. Plans include renovation and improvement of the sidewalk entry areas to the Ivy Tech Waldron building by creating inviting and pedestrian-friendly entries that will feature custom walkways, plantings, and spaces suited for public art and performance.
“We are thrilled to begin renovations of the Ivy Tech Waldron entry spaces, and I want to thank The City of Bloomington for requesting the funding support of the Bloomington Redevelopment Commission to make this project a reality,” said Ivy Tech-Bloomington Chancellor Jennie Vaughan. “Without the support of the Bloomington Redevelopment Commission, and grants from the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, and the Indiana Arts Commission, this project would not have been possible.”
Planned improvements will make the area safer for pedestrians and bicyclists, as the new Ivy Tech Waldron Plaza will separate pedestrians from parallel automobile parking spaces, accommodating the new bicycle lanes that the City of Bloomington plans to install on the street. New street lighting will also be added to make the space more inviting for the public during dark hours.
“Having a sculpture plaza as part of the Waldron facility has been on the drawing board since the arts center first opened in 1992. I’m delighted we could partner with Ivy Tech and other community stakeholders to finally make it a reality,”said Mayor Mark Kruzan. “This renovation project helps to address public safety concerns while beautifying the area around the Ivy Tech Waldron building, hopefully maximizing pedestrian traffic.”
Bids for the project continue and will be reviewed at the end of June. Projects will be awarded in July and construction is slated to begin August 1.
The $100,000 project is slated for completion in September just before the building’s centennial in 2015, and will propel the college and the community into celebrating the history of Ivy Tech Waldron.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
