Governor Quinn Announces $17.4 Million for University of Illinois Chicago Campus Upgrades

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a capital investment of more than $17.4 million for campus upgrades at the University of Illinois Chicago. The investment will create jobs and improve the campus' infrastructure. Funded by his Illinois Jobs Now! construction program, the project is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"The University of Illinois Chicago campus employs and teaches some of the state's finest minds," Governor Quinn said. "These needed upgrades will keep the campus in top condition, providing jobs for construction workers while the work is going on, and helping the university prepare students for the jobs of today and tomorrow."

The $17.4 million project provides for campus improvements including replacing windows, elevators, lighting systems, fire alarm systems and tuckpointing in various campus buildings. The work also provides for installing an emergency generator, fire alarm and sprinkler systems to the College of Dentistry building. The College of Medicine West and East Buildings will get window replacement, exterior work and asbestos abatement. The project will be managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board, and the successful bidders include:

• Ventilation: Mechanical Concepts of Illinois, Romeoville, $4,630,000, the lowest of four bids.
• Electrical: Linear Electric, Inc., Orland Park, $3,459,615, the lowest of four bids.
• Climate Control: Ideal Heating Company, Brookfield, $2,961,999, the lowest of five bids.
• General: Paul Borg Construction Co., Chicago, $2,619,324, the lowest of three bids.
• Sprinklers: Great Lakes Plumbing & Heating, Chicago, $1,772,000, the lowest of three bids.
• Temperature Controls: Automatic Building Controls LLC, Rolling Meadows, $1,087,000, the lower of two bids.
• Asbestos: Kinsale Contracting Group, Inc., Westmont, $812,600, the lowest of three bids.
• Plumbing: A & H Plumbing & Heating Co., Elk Grove Village, $98,448

The project is part of Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest construction programs in the nation.