Today Northeastern Illinois University unveiled its new Northeastern Illinois University El Centro building at 3390 N. Avondale Avenue in Chicago. The new, $27 million facility enables the University to significantly expand its academic and community programming.
The opening event included a speaking program and ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1:30 p.m. today outside of the new building. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and U.S. Representative Luis Gutierrez joined several other dignitaries, friends of Northeastern, and University faculty and staff for the celebration.
The new 66,000 square-foot, three-story building hugs the Kennedy Expressway. The hue-changing building appears gold when viewed from the south and blue from the north. The building was designed by Juan Moreno of Chicago-based architecture firm JGMA and is expected to earn LEED Gold classification.
Building features include: • 17 classrooms equipped with the latest classroom technology • Computer lab • Seminar rooms • Science labs • Student lounge with views of the Chicago skyline • Resource center/library • Meeting rooms • Faculty and staff offices • Rooftop replete with solar panels • Countless environmental sustainability features
The official first day of classes held at El Centro was Saturday, September 20.
“For more than 40 years, El Centro has served as a gateway to higher education for the Latino community,” said Northeastern Illinois University President Sharon Hahs. “With this new El Centro location, Northeastern Illinois University is committing to the future of our students and the needs of the communities we serve.”
