New Academic Center?

[isuquinndog]

Putting this in general ISU sports since it's for more than one sport, and I'll link back to it.

So listening to the "In The Nest" podcast and they had Kyle Brennan on. He was being asked about the new IPF and he was talking about how aesthetically pleasing all the facilities were all together (RA, Hancock, IPF) and he let out that there is a plan to build an academic center for athletics "across the street from football".

I don't seem to remember mention of this before. Any one know anything? Is this in the empty lot or the old Weavers Rental place across Main St?

In The Nest, Episode #3: A Discussion with Illinois State Director of Athletics Kyle Brennan, along with the latest news and notes throughout Redbird Country.

art19.com

 

[TBS_20]

thats the only place it could be

 

[Adunk33]

When I heard about this, I figured they'd just renovate what is currently there. It'd be tough to do during the school year since the students need access but that would seem more cost effective. I feel like a new building when there is already a pretty solid one in place is not the best use of funds. Granted I haven't been in the study center in about 8 years, so maybe it's gotten a lot worse.

 

[TIMMY]

Adunk it's been a while for me as well but what I remember was a dumpy area with tiny little windows and computers on the 2nd floor of the ROTC building. Have they moved it or something? It seems like a nice facility would be good for recruiting.

 

[Adunk33]

Adunk it's been a while for me as well but what I remember was a dumpy area with tiny little windows and computers on the 2nd floor of the ROTC building. Have they moved it or something? It seems like a nice facility would be good for recruiting.

Last I was there I entered through the back of the ROTC building and there was essentially a large conference room with probably 30 computers and some offices around the area. It was a nice space that definitely could've used some TLC. It seems to have solid bones, but could really benefit being updated.

It feels like a chunk of whatever they're spending on this new building could've gone towards a brick and mortar IPF and then update study center where it is now. I'd have to think recruits would be more "wowd" by an really nice IPF versus a really nice study center.

 

[isuquinndog]

Last I was there I entered through the back of the ROTC building and there was essentially a large conference room with probably 30 computers and some offices around the area. It was a nice space that definitely could've used some TLC. It seems to have solid bones, but could really benefit being updated.

It feels like a chunk of whatever they're spending on this new building could've gone towards a brick and mortar IPF and then update study center where it is now. I'd have to think recruits would be more "wowd" by an really nice IPF versus a really nice study center.

Well, not all sports would get much use from the IPF (basketball say) but all would from an academic center. Just saying. You aren't wrong about funds and brick and morter.

 

[TIMMY]

Well, not all sports would get much use from the IPF (basketball say) but all would from an academic center. Just saying. You aren't wrong about funds and brick and morter.

I watched the Michigan State gymnastics team run gassers in their IPF. Easier on their legs than a gym floor. When it comes to training, I wouldn't rule anything out. But I couldn't agree more everyone can use the academic center

 

[jbird]

Also want to "Wow" parents on recruit visits, and while upgraded football facilities might influence some parents, an impressive academic center might be influential to others.

 

[dpdoughbird06]

Last I was there I entered through the back of the ROTC building and there was essentially a large conference room with probably 30 computers and some offices around the area. It was a nice space that definitely could've used some TLC. It seems to have solid bones, but could really benefit being updated.

It feels like a chunk of whatever they're spending on this new building could've gone towards a brick and mortar IPF and then update study center where it is now. I'd have to think recruits would be more "wowd" by an really nice IPF versus a really nice study center.

I’d imagine rehabbing the Weavers building was always in the cards, and Athletics made the most compelling case for its adaptive reuse. ROTC might be growing and bursting out of their current space. Who knows?

There has been a lot of work going on at the old Weavers, so I don’t see them building anything from scratch. And I’d imagine its cost is a drop in the bucket compared to the difference between bubbles and bricks.

But a solid building sure would have been nice…