Harper College has reached a significant construction milestone as work progresses on its $101.6 million Canning Student Center and University Center — a project designed to unify essential student services while expanding academic, workforce, and community resources on campus.
College leaders and representatives from the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) gathered to commemorate the structural phase nearing completion, with the project’s “topping out” scheduled for early 2026. Crews are moving steadily through steel erection and concrete installation, marking one of the largest capital improvements in Harper’s recent history.
Gov. JB Pritzker emphasized the long-term importance of the investment during the event, noting, “This facility will allow more students to grow, learn, and thrive, all while expanding opportunities for hands-on workforce development right here in Illinois.” He added that the project reflects how public institutions are modernizing to support student and employer needs statewide.
The 144,000-sq.-ft. building will consolidate several key student service functions under one roof, including admissions outreach, academic advising, access and disability services, the cultural center, and the job placement resource center. The layout is designed to enhance the student experience by creating a one-stop hub that promotes connection, efficiency, and support.
Additional features include:
Through partnerships with DePaul University, Northern Illinois University, Roosevelt University, and Southern Illinois University, the new center will allow students to complete bachelor’s degree pathways directly through Harper College.
Current work includes the installation of approximately 350 tons of the 871 tons of required structural steel, with concrete pours also advancing. Of the 4,800 cubic yards needed, 1,300 have been placed so far. The elevated decks and slab-on-grade work are expected to wrap up by March 2026. The 59,000-sq.-ft. roof system is on track for completion in July 2026.
Holabird & Root serves as the architect, while Path Construction leads the general contracting efforts.
Dr. Avis Proctor, Harper College’s president, celebrated the milestone by highlighting the center’s role in shaping campus life. “Today’s beam-signing marks an exciting milestone in bringing the Canning Student Center and University Center to life,” she said. “We are building a welcoming, vibrant hub where students can access essential services, find community and explore academic and career opportunities.”
The facility will also expand Harper’s capacity to meet the region’s workforce needs, particularly in hospitality and food service. The CDB emphasized that the center will help remove barriers to completing a four-year degree.
“The Canning Student Center will be a tremendous investment in regional workforce development,” said TJ Edwards, executive director of the CDB. “This facility will give students an affordable and convenient way to complete a bachelor’s degree.”
Construction will continue through 2026, with crews working on the remainder of the steel, interior buildout, campus entry improvements, lab spaces, and student-focused amenities. When complete, the Canning Student Center will serve as a central anchor for student engagement, academic support, and hands-on learning — reshaping the campus for the next generation of Harper College students.
Originally reported by Special to Chicago Construction News
