Campus Improvement Projects

RVC is in the preliminary stages of planning a Downtown West campus located at Chestnut and Winnebago/Rockton. We are excited to expand our offerings to better serve the western portion of our college district. The programs we are exploring for inclusion at this location include automotive, e-vehicles, collision repair, early childhood education, truck driver training, human services, criminal justice, and adult education. In addition, the college is planning for a community engagement space to better engage adult learners and the community.

Timeline:

• Sept-Oct 2024: Demo of 3 buildings (Complete Dec 2024 – Jan 2025)
• March 2025: Groundbreaking Ceremony
• August 2025: Last Beam Celebration
• Spring 2026: Hard-hat tours
• Summer 2026: Ribbon-cutting event
• August 2026: Construction will be complete

RVC Downtown West Campus

In January 2024, Rock Valley College (RVC) received $17,000,000 from the State of Illinois for the remodel of Classroom Building II (CLII). As per the Capital Development Board (CDB) requirements, RVC must contribute a minimum of 25% of the released funds, totaling $5,666,667. With this contribution, the total available funds for the project amount to $22,666,667. The current estimate for the basic remodel of CLII stands at $25,600,000. RVC has the option to add additional funds for extra construction to fulfill other college needs.

• Funding Source: State of Illinois
• Total Project Cost: $25,600,000
• RVC's Required Investment: $5,666,667
• Total Amount Available: $22,666,667
• Project Scope: Addition of Blackbox Theater – This option entails the addition of a Blackbox Theater. Estimated cost for RVC: $18,000,000. Total project cost: $35,000,000. Note: The prices listed do not include Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FFE) costs, estimated at approximately $3,700,000. FFE costs will be administered by RVC, not CDB.
• Project Timeline:
  • CLII Staff & Program relocations to long-term temporary locations are expected to take place May 2025 to October 2025.
  • Anticipated Construction Start: Summer 2026
  • Earliest Ready/Open Date: August 2027

• Background: In January 2024, Rock Valley College received exciting news from the Capital Development Board (CDB) regarding a significant grant for the remodel of Classroom Building II (CLII). This development prompted the need to relocate current programs housed in CLII temporarily. Among these programs, Massage Therapy and Communications & Marketing stand out as they will not return to CLII after the remodel. Instead, they require new accommodations within the college.
• Project Scope: Complete renovation of HSC to accommodate Massage Therapy, Communications & Marketing, and additional student space. Estimated cost: $1,900,000.
• Timeline: Renovation and buildout by late fall 2025

• Background: When the Health Sciences Center (HSC) was constructed in 2016, cost constraints led to the installation of only one elevator at the south end of the building. This decision, however, has resulted in challenges for individuals requiring vertical access to upper floors, especially during elevator maintenance or malfunctions. Accessible parking spaces were located at the north end of the building, necessitating a long walk for those needing elevator access. Recognizing these difficulties, the need for a second elevator at the north end of the HSC has become evident over the years.
• Project Scope: Adding a second elevator at the north end of the Health Sciences Center would significantly enhance accessibility and alleviate the hardship faced by students, staff, and community members. While this addition would impact student space on all floors, the existing "RVC Shell Space" on the third floor could be repurposed to accommodate the lost student space.
• Cost Estimate: The estimated cost for installing a second elevator in 2024 is approximately $1,219,000, with an additional $130,000 earmarked for architect fees. While the College has allocated $500,000 in the capital account for this purpose, funding for the remaining cost could be integrated into the financing plan for the renovation of Classroom Building II.
• Project Details:
  • Bidding process is currently underway. Construction to begin January 2025.
  • Installation of a second elevator will require related construction work with typical inconveniences associated with the scope of the project. Some noisy periods, additional personnel in the building, and portions of the building being renovated will be restricted during the buildout.
  • All entrances will remain open, including the entrance nearest the bus stop and Dental Clinic.
  • Note: Elevator lead time may require additional time into the Fall semester, pending production and supply chain.

This project entails the replacement of deteriorating walkways around the Jacobs Center for Science and Math and between the Student Center and the Physical Education Center at Rock Valley College's main campus. Additionally, it addresses the seal coating and re-striping of Parking Lot 1, which is also located on the main campus. The current walkways are in poor condition, and the parking lot stripes are no longer visible, necessitating upgrades to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. The work will be carried out by Stenstrom Excavation & Blacktop Group Rockford, IL with a cost not to exceed $821,677.45. This project is complete.

This project involves the removal and replacement of existing flooring and wall base in the Stenstrom Student Center. The work will be carried out by Boss Carpet One located in Dixon, IL, with an estimated cost of $221,700.00. This capital expense is aimed at improving the aesthetics and functionality of the student center, providing a more conducive environment for students and visitors. This project has been completed; impacted departments have returned to their original locations.

This project involves the replacement of two aging air handling units (AHUs) located in the Woodward Technology Center. Helm Service, formerly known as Mechanical Inc, based in Freeport, IL, will handle the equipment procurement and installation. The existing AHUs, which are over forty years old, will be upgraded to improve the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system's efficiency and reliability. This project has been completed; impacted departments have returned to their original locations.

This project is for a single prime contract that will consist of the construction of a new shed, driveway, electrical equipment in the new shed, modifications to electrical services at Building F and Building E, new and re-routed underground electrical, demolition of select trees, and demolition of the existing shed. This project is necessary because the existing shed is badly deteriorated. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Grant will cover $100,000.

Scandroli Construction Rockford, IL – Not to exceed $467,190.00. This expense is for removing and reconstructing the Power Shed located near Building E on the main campus. 

This project has been completed.

RVC is preparing for an LED lighting replacement project at the Stenstrom Student Center, with work beginning December 3, 2024 through February 2025. This phased project will improve our facilities while ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations. This project has been completed. 

One of the boilers used to produce hot water had a failure and was unable to be repaired. The college is in the process of having this boiler replaced before the beginning of the cold season. Under the bid the contractor will work on removing the old components and install the new two-boiler replacement system, which is more efficient.

Helm Mechanical Inc. was the lowest qualified bidder for Bid 25-18 and was awarded a not to exceed contract of $341,242.00.

The mortar between many of the rock façade on the buildings and the Stenstrom Student Center (SSC) bridge was in need of replacing. The college went out to bid in April of 2026 and Mike Harris Mason Contractor was the lowest responsible bidder. Harris Mason Contractor was issue a not to exceed contract of $301,860.00. The majority of the work was completed before the beginning of the fall semester. Unfortunately, a section of the rock façade on the Stenstrom Student Center Turret wall collapsed and must now be rebuilt and repaired. This has required a new bid be issued for the replacement of the wall section. This new bid is currently under development with the hope of getting the wall fixed before the weather turns too cold to work outside. This new project is being called Tuckpointing Phase Two. 

The existing athlete fields were installed over 25 years ago and many of the fields are no longer level and have drainage and sprinkler system issues. Rock Valley College conducted research and determined that new turf fields would be utilized to help improve the fields to be more consistent and overall have a lower operational cost. The college secured consortium pricing for the project through the Sourcewell consortium bid. The improvements are for the baseball, softball, and soccer fields. Team REIL was issued a not to exceed contract totaling $2,726,352.99 and Field Turf was issued a not to exceed in the amount of $1,720,901.75.

Work is scheduled to begin on the baseball and softball fields in September of 2025, with the soccer field work being conducted in the Spring.  

The BST rigging equipment is almost 30 years old and during an inspection it was determined that several items within the rigging system needs to be updated or repaired. This includes loft blocks and the cabling supporting the lighting system. Also, maintenance is needed to rebuild the motors that run the rigging equipment. In addition, some arbor shoes will need replacement. This contract was awarded to Associated Controls and Design for a not to exceed price of $72,768.00. ACD was awarded the contract under exemption 110 ILCS 805/3-27.1 – Contracts for the services of individuals possessing a high degree of professional skill where the ability or fitness of the individual plays an important role. This project is scheduled to be completed by spring for the new Starlight Theatre season.

Some of the existing fire alarm panels are 30 years old and the college has determined the need to replace the panels and update some of the wiring. Phase One of the project is to replace all of old style of panels to the new RVC standard. The college went out to bid in June of 2026 and P&H Electric was the lowest responsible bidder. P&H Electric was issued a not to exceed contract of $577,500 for the project. Work will begin this fall when parts are secured.