New Kennedy-King Campus Delivers for Englewood Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 23, 2005
Contact: Bennie Currie
Phone: 312-744-9277

Community reviews enhanced college programs and neighborhood benefits

PBC Executive Director Montel Gayles joins PBC Commissioner Bishop Arthur Brazier (pastor of Apostolic Church of God) & Dorian Jones, communications director for Kennedy-King College at a recent meeting with religious leaders from Chicago's Englewood community to discuss the New Kennedy-King Campus construction project. Gayles updated the more than 150 faith-based community leaders on the project, which is set for completion in the Fall of 2007.

The Public Building Commission of Chicago (PBC), City of Chicago Department of Planning & Development (DPD) and City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) recently met with religious leaders from Chicago's Englewood community to discuss the New Kennedy-King College Campus construction project.

PBC Executive Director Montel Gayles updated the more than 150 faith-based community leaders on the status of the project, which is set for completion in the fall of 2007. The PBC is overseeing the construction project on behalf of the City Colleges of Chicago. The new 40-acre campus will be located at 63rd and Halsted streets in the heart of Englewood's former business district.

Gayles outlined the PBC's procurement plan, emphasizing that it is designed to ensure minority inclusion within the contracting process and increase employment opportunities for community residents.

"This is an exciting project and we are looking forward to working with the community as we move forward," Gayles said. "The New Kennedy-King College Campus will help stimulate economic growth as well as boost the quality of life for the residents of Englewood and the greater South Side."

Judy Jackson, DPD deputy commissioner, described the New Kennedy-King College as "a community anchor amid the ongoing redevelopment of the Englewood area." A new library and senior citizen center are already complete with plans under way to add a new police station, fire station, health facility and residential and commercial/retail development.

"The City's commitment to revitalize Englewood is clear," Gayles said. "Revitalization is evident with the new library and police station. And the new $192 million Kennedy-King College Campus demonstrates once again how committed the City is to revitalizing the Englewood community."

City Colleges of Chicago Chancellor Wayne Watson stressed the new campus' long-term benefits to the residents of Englewood, specifically community-wide access to the campus library, day-care center, sports facilities, swimming pool, bookstore and restaurants.

"The new state-of-the-art facilities and increased space dedicated to each of the programs we offer will enhance our ability to deliver high quality educational opportunities to the community. "Our students will receive an education that will prepare them to excel in the profession they choose," Watson said.

"We are happy to be involved with the new campus project from the onset," said Pastor Willard Payton, co-chairman of Pastors of Englewood. "We are excited about the hope and promise that it brings to the community."

The PBC manages construction and renovation projects for the City Colleges as well as the City of Chicago and its other sister agencies. Mayor Richard M. Daley serves as the PBC's chairman.

Additional information about the PBC and its projects is available at the agency's Web site: www.pbcchicago.com.