Orr Multipurpose Agriculture Facility in final stages of fundraising, construction

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — The John Wood Community College Board of Trustees heard a report on the Orr Multipurpose Agriculture Facility and the Workforce Development Center Expansion Project during a meeting Wednesday at the Southeast Education Center.

The Orr Multipurpose Agriculture Facility is in the final stages of fundraising and construction and will open for classes for the Fall 2022 semester. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 9. The Orr Corporation is leading this privately-funded project, and $1.9 million of the $2.5 million goal has been raised to date.

The 24,000-square-foot facility is at the University of Illinois Agricultural Research & Demonstration Center and the JWCC Agricultural Education Center in Baylis. The building will be a site to address multiple agricultural education and development issues in West Central Illinois and will further enhance research, teaching and U of I Extension activities throughout the region.

“This facility epitomizes the Orr Corporation’s 40-plus years of dedication to agriculture research and education. We look forward to John Wood Community College, the University of Illinois and numerous other local and state groups’ use of this facility to improve our rural communities,” Orr Corporation Board Chair Matt Bradshaw shared.

To donate to this project, contact Bradshaw at 217-779-4166.

The Workforce Development Center Expansion Project is a 14,170 square foot expansion at JWCC’s WDC site, 4220 Koch’s Lane. The project, supported by a federal grant, consists of a truck driving training addition, expansion of the east side including a new physical building entrance, expanded space for HVAC, and business and industry.  A remodel of the interior of the building will allow for expanded space for welding, industrial maintenance and manufacturing, robotics and automation, and flexible use-space for programs such as a virtual reality lab. A new entrance off 42nd Street will be added, leading to an expanded parking area.

Bids for the plan will be accepted next month, with the contract and construction beginning in June 2022. The project is estimated to be complete by October 2023.

“These new facilities demonstrate John Wood’s continued commitment to the region,” JWCC President Michael Elbe said. “With strategic focus and long-term planning, the college presents the district we serve with excellent opportunities to provide programs to support the workforce needs of the area and to have a greater impact in our rural communities and the agricultural industry.”

In other business, the board:

• Authorized submission of a $55,000 application to the Illinois State Library/Jesse White Secretary of State for an adult volunteer literacy grant. 
• Accepted a three-year contract to provide independent audit services from WIPFLi, LLP, with an option of a two-year extension for a five-year total cost of $228,700.
• Approved to file the fiscal year 2021 preliminary draft audit report as presented from the firm WIPFLi, LLP.
• Accepted a $77,451 proposal from Associate Controls & Design for an automated rigging system in the auditorium.