Chicago Construction News staff writer
A groundbreaking ceremony at Malcolm X College officially kicked off construction on an expansion of the West Side campus, located at 4624 W. Madison St. in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. The new development is designed to address increasing demand for educational space at the college, which saw a 17% increase in enrolment this year.
The expansion includes a one-story addition to the front lawn of the existing West Side Learning Center, a small outpost formerly a Jewel-Osco. The new structure, called the community center for teaching and learning, will provide 3,000 square feet of space for student use and community events. The building will feature flexible, multi-purpose spaces for both instructional use and community events. It is expected to increase the campus’s capacity by 50%, allowing the college to accommodate up to 2,000 students.
Key features of the expansion include:
- Recreational and meeting spaces for student and community events.
- 3,000 square feet of dividable, multi-purpose space, available for rental by local organizations, businesses, and residents.
- A modern, state-of-the-art design featuring metal panels, stone, and glass windows, aimed at maximizing natural light.
The total cost of the project has increased to $17.5 million, up from the original $9.5 million estimate, due to design enhancements and rising construction costs. Approximately $9 million of the budget is being funded by the state of Illinois. The project is expected to be completed in 18 months, with plans for a future laboratory building already under consideration.
The Chicago Public Building Commission (PBC) is overseeing the project, with a focus on hiring women and people of color for construction roles. The expansion is expected to create 40 full-time equivalent construction jobs and 10 additional non-construction jobs.
This project represents the second phase of City Colleges of Chicago’s investment in Malcolm X College. The first phase involved renovations to create new biology laboratories, supporting growing health science and nursing programs. The new facilities will provide 7,000 square feet of additional space for credit courses and career certificate programs, including Basic Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician, and Medical Assisting.
The expansion at 4624 W. Madison St. is part of a broader effort to increase student capacity, improve facilities, and expand educational offerings. City Colleges of Chicago officials have said the project will help meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals in the region, while also providing new spaces for community engagement.
For more information about the project, visit City Colleges of Chicago’s website.
