Lewis and Clark Breaks Ground on Main Complex Renovation

GODFREY -Lewis and Clark Community College broke ground on the long-awaited Main Complex Renovation Project, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026.

The commemorative ceremony took place at 1 p.m. at Fobes Circle, on the southeast end of the Godfrey Campus, with a photo opportunity and reception afterward in the nearby Ringhausen Music Building Atrium.

"In Illinois, we know the success of our students is the key to economic growth, which is why we've made historic investments into improving higher education across the state," Governor JB Pritzker said. "The Lewis and Clark Community College infrastructure project represents another step towards ensuring all Illinoisans have access to a quality education and the support needed to find jobs in the industries of the future."

LC President Ken Trzaska said the event was more than a groundbreaking ceremony.

"It is a milestone in the life of Lewis and Clark Community College and a powerful statement about our future as a leader in higher education," he said.

The project includes a complete renovation of Fobes, Baldwin and Caldwell halls, which once housed the majority of the classrooms serving the Godfrey Campus, along with major student services including Advising and Enrollment Services, Financial Aid, Bursar, the Bookstore, Mental Health Counseling, Academic Affairs, Access and Accommodations, Tutoring and more.

In addition to electrical and HVAC upgrades for those spaces, Fobes will be transformed into the new Student Welcome Center, complete with the addition of a new main entrance on its south side.

"The Main Complex Renovation prioritizes improving the student experience at Lewis and Clark by making student services more accessible and by creating flexible learning spaces that can serve them well into the future," Trzaska said. "We also sought to complement the historic character of our buildings and the legacy of the Godfrey Campus as the former campus of Monticello College. We are preserving a landmark that has served this region so well while ensuring it remains a vibrant and inspiring place for future generations."

The Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) will oversee the project, providing management and oversight throughout construction in accordance with the protocol for state-funded projects.

"State investments into higher education institutions like Lewis and Clark Community College demonstrate Illinois' commitment to addressing critical infrastructure needs on campuses across the state," said Illinois Capital Development Board Executive Director TJ Edwards. "Through the Rebuild Illinois capital program, we are building modern, accessible facilities that provide top-tier learning environments for students and faculty."

Funding for the Main Complex Renovation Project was initially announced in 2019 through the State of Illinois Capital Bill. In March 2022, following the college's closure of multiple classrooms in the complex due to ongoing health and safety concerns, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker visited the Godfrey Campus and awarded the college $37.5 million (the state's match) toward the $50 million project. The remaining $12.5 million was allocated by the college's Board of Trustees in 2022.

In Fall 2025, access to Baldwin, Caldwell, and Fobes Halls was restricted, and a roofing project got underway, followed by an abatement phase which began in July 2026. The groundbreaking will kick off the build phase, slated to last about18 months, with expected completion in Spring 2028.

Aside from Trzaska, speakers included Representative Katie Stuart; Representative Amy Elik; Ted Renner, Assistant Deputy Director of Construction for the Illinois Capital Development Board; Ryan Poettker, President, Poettker Construction; Alan Wolf, Associate Principal and Senior Architect, Grace Design Studios; Lewis and Clark Board of Trustees Chair Dwight Werts; and Lewis and Clark Student Trustee Emily Hoge.

Learn more or follow the project online at https://www.lc.edu/college-information/renovation.html.