FREEPORT, Ill. (WIFR) – The Board of Trustees for Highland Community College unanimously approves a multi-million dollar expansion of the college’s sports building.

The Board of Trustees for Highland Community College approves a $38 million project to expand... — The Board of Trustees for Highland Community College approves a $38 million project to expand the college’s sports complex.(WIFR)

The project is estimated to cost $38,000,000.

The college’s Sports Building, or Building S, was built to meet space needs for both Highland Community College and the YMCA in the early 1980s. Leaders say over time, sports offerings by HCC and programs offered by the YMCA outgrew the current facility.

Highland Community College Sports Center(WIFR)

The YMCA vacated the college’s Sports building and the Child Care/Training Center (Building I), moving to a separate location.

HCC says the YMCA’s vacancy means it can renovate the existing space to accommodate its needs.

The college must now get a Stephenson County building permit for new construction.