Published: June 03, 2008 10:12 pm         

Ivy Tech breaks ground on education, training center in Greencastle

GREENCASTLE — Ivy Tech Community College – Wabash Valley Region has broken ground on its Center for Workforce and Economic Development, 1915 South Zinc Mill Road, at the intersection of Veterans Memorial Highway and Zinc Mill Road, in Greencastle.

This new facility is a crucial step in providing the residents of Greencastle and the surrounding community a state-of-the-art education and training center close to home.

Although Ivy Tech has had a presence in Greencastle since the late 1980s, program and service offerings have been limited because of the lack of available space.

This new, 30,000-square-foot facility will allow Ivy Tech to offer several new programs including those in health, business, liberal arts and early childhood education.

The building will include state-of-the-art science and computer labs, a library, testing center and bookstore.

The facility will allow the college to expand upon its tradition of providing excellent technical and work-force education and training.

As it is known that a highly-skilled work force serves to both retain and attract business and industry within an area, with the Center for Workforce and Economic Development, Ivy Tech will continue to be a valuable tool that assists area leaders with their economic development efforts.

The estimated construction cost of the new campus is $8.6 million.

With $8.16 million earmarked by the State, the college will provide the remaining funds needed to complete construction.

The city of Greencastle donated the 30 acres of land where the facility will be located.

The facility has been engineered and designed to be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified.

Ivy Tech Community College has received tremendous community support for this project including area legislators, local elected officials, local business and industry, and community leaders.