Kankakee Community College, Workforce Development Center

Kankakee, Illinois

Firm

Legat Architects

Client

Kankakee Community College

Area

50,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$7,677,832

Completion Date

08/2003

The Workforce Development Center is the center for corporate and continuing education in the Kankakee community. The program called for a new campus entry that sets a progressive tone, inspires future campus development, and increases opportunities for community members and businesses.
The three-story facility houses technology-rich classrooms and computer labs, a multimedia lecture hall, a dining presentation room, a glass-enclosed conference room, a student-services area and offices. Learning areas will serve as models for the redesign of other classrooms throughout the campus.
Situated at the heart of the campus, a gate-like structure represents the entry to the Workforce Development Center and the campus. Precast concrete was chosen to contrast with the red brick of surrounding buildings. Sculptural red and yellow staircases serve as fire exits, complementing and energizing the overall composition of the entry. A 210-foot-long glass curtainwall reveals enclosed social areas of activity.