JJC: $223,000 Needed To Repair Downtown Culinary Arts Campus

JOLIET — The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees held an emergency meeting this week to address critical repairs needed at the City Center Campus following the July 14 microburst storm, according to JJC officials. The board unanimously approved a $223,651 project to begin repairs to vital components of the building, according to Friday's press release from Katie Smith, communications and media manager at JJC.

According to her press release:

This approval covers the critical repair of the automation system which controls fresh air circulation throughout the building, a necessary component to reestablish a safe and operational working environment on campus.

The college has not set a reopening date, but successfully transitioned employees and students to alternative virtual work and learning environments.

There are 733 students enrolled at City Center-based programs.

Programs stationed at City Center include: Culinary Arts, Department of Adult Education Learning, the Entrepreneurial Business Center, and Workforce Development.

Each program has evaluated the needs of their programs and transitioned to alternate methods of delivery by utilizing virtual lectures or class and office space at Main and Romeoville campuses.

"We are grateful that no one was injured, despite the damage sustained in downtown Joliet,” announced JJC president Clyne Namuo. “Our top priority remains the safety and well-being of everyone involved, and we will continue working diligently to restore the City Center Campus."