Columbia, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Columbia has transformed a historic church into College Place, now home to the college’s Division of Education. This renovation preserves the church’s legacy while providing modern facilities that enhance the learning experience for students and foster community engagement.
Columbia Celebrates the Grand Opening of College Place!
Columbia has seen an exciting transformation, thanks to the grand opening of College Place, a newly renovated historic church that was formerly known as the College Place United Methodist Church. This beautiful renovation not only revitalizes a key part of Columbia’s history but also serves as the new home for the college’s Division of Education, creating a vibrant gathering hub for students, faculty, and local residents alike.
A Historic Landmark Reimagined
College Place has been a beloved staple of Columbia’s community for over a century. With this renovation, the aim was to preserve the church’s rich legacy while aligning closely with the college’s mission of fostering education and community engagement. The renovations saw the skilled hands of Hood Construction, acting as the general contractor, LCK as the owner’s representative, and the talented Garvin Design Group as the architecture firm behind the project.
Modern Facilities with a Touch of Tradition
The newly refurbished space features a selection of gorgeous gathering areas, state-of-the-art classrooms, faculty offices, and excellent collaborative spaces. These improvements are designed to enhance the learning experience for students who are pursuing careers in education, teaching, and leadership. By preserving the architectural charm and historical integrity of the church while incorporating modern amenities, the renovation has achieved a stunning balance between old and new.
The Visionaries Behind the Transformation
Brandon Hein, the project manager at Hood Construction, has expressed what an honor it was to rejuvenate such a historic piece of Columbia College’s past. The design, led by Mark Timbes, principal of Garvin Design Group, reflects the college’s spectacular 171-year history, while also looking ahead to an innovative future. The newly designed spaces are not only aesthetically pleasing but also focus on promoting collaboration, leadership, and social justice among students and faculty.
A Community Celebration
The grand opening was marked with a delightful ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a program featuring remarks from key community figures, including members of the college’s administration and the local government. The Columbia College President highlighted the essence of the place and its ability to inspire people, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the community through gathering.
A Glimpse into the Future
As we look ahead, College Place stands not only as a testament to Columbia’s historical beauty but also as a beacon of modern education and community spirit. It invites everyone to join in the collective mission of learning and engagement, making it a true treasure of Columbia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is College Place?
College Place is a newly renovated historic church that serves as the new home for Columbia College’s Division of Education and as a gathering hub for students, faculty, and local residents.
How long has College Place been a part of Columbia’s history?
College Place has been a staple of Columbia’s history for over a century.
Who performed the renovations at College Place?
Renovations were carried out by Hood Construction (general contractor), LCK (owner’s representative), and Garvin Design Group (architecture firm).
What features does the renovated College Place include?
The renovated space includes new gathering areas, state-of-the-art classrooms, faculty offices, and collaborative spaces designed to enhance the learning experience for education students.
What is the vision for College Place moving forward?
The vision for College Place is to reflect the college’s 171-year history while promoting collaboration, leadership, and social justice within the educational community.
Key Features of College Place Renovation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New Gathering Areas | Spaces for students and faculty to come together and engage socially. |
| State-of-the-Art Classrooms | Modern classrooms designed to enhance the learning experience. |
| Faculty Offices | Dedicated spaces for faculty to hold meetings and office hours. |
| Collaborative Spaces | Areas designed to encourage teamwork and interaction among students. |
| Historical Preservation | The renovation maintains the architectural beauty and historical integrity of the church. |
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Additional Resources
- Columbia Daily: Grand Opening of College Place
- Columbia Business Report: Historic Church Repurposed
- ABC7 Chicago: Columbia College Layoffs
- Google Search: Columbia College
- Wikipedia: Columbia College
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