Columbia College in the South Loop has been issued a $1.6 million preliminary building permit for Pepper Construction Co. to start work on a five-story student center. The overall project has an estimated $50 million value, a college spokesperson said last May.
The permit for the structure at 754 S. Wabush Ave. reads: “Caisson foundation and ground floor slab only for proposed five-story student center.”
Curbed Chicago reports that the 114,000-sq. ft., Gensler-designed facility will replace a vacant school-owned lot at the northwest corner of Wabash Ave. and 8th St.
The project will feature a glassy facade to connect the building to the surrounding neighborhood and showcase student activity within. Designed with flexibility in mind, it sports a variety of spaces including dance studios, study lofts, maker labs, a fitness center, dining area, and an 800-person event space.
Pepper is self-handling the project’s masonry. Other subs listed are: Electrical – Rex Elect. & Technologies LLC.; and plumber – Chas F. Bruckner & Son, Inc.
