Campus Transformation complete after two years of construction

After more than two years of construction, in August, Lake Michigan College completed its Campus Transformation project on the Benton Harbor Campus.

As part of a comprehensive 10-year capital plan, LMC passed a 10-year capital millage, secured an $8.4 million state grant, and worked with its Foundation on a $7.5 million fund-raising campaign to pay for the project. In June 2018, LMC began construction on the massive Campus Transformation project.

The project centered on a $33 million renovation of the Main Building, upgrading spaces for learning, academic support, collaboration and improving access to student services. It also upgraded critical mechanical and electrical infrastructure and equipment to improve comfort and meet energy efficient standards.

Nearly 52 percent of the Main Building received some form of architectural renovation. This includes technology upgrades to 40 updated classrooms, a new culinary kitchen and teaching restaurant, simulation lab, two lecture halls, and relocating offices and classrooms by department, including Health Sciences. A top-to-bottom overhaul of the William Hessel Library is the cornerstone of a newly combined space that houses LMC’s new Writing Center and Teaching & Learning Center offering tutoring and testing assistance, as well as an open computer lab.

As part of the plan, LMC also purchased the Western Michigan University Southwest building, which is now the Todd Center for Business, Education & Information Technology. Other significant enhancements to the Benton Harbor Campus include the opening of the new Welch Center for Wine & Viticulture in 2019 and energy upgrades for the Mendel Center, including a new cooling system, high-efficiency boilers, LED lighting improvements, and renovations to Grand Upton Hall and Hanson Theatre. Exterior improvements include new parking lot and walkways, reconstruction of the entry plaza, and new pedestrian stairs.