Advanced Technology Center
Retrofit transforms big box store into county hub for manufacturing workforce development, business and industry outreach
College of Lake County, recognizing its county as Illinois’ second largest manufacturing region, purchased a vacated Lowe’s warehouse. An adaptive reuse project converts the 142,000-square-foot facility into the Advanced Technology Center (ATC), a regional training engine for both students and companies. The ATC focuses on economic development for opportunities such as automation, robotics, mechatronics, CNC machining, advanced manufacturing, industrial maintenance, and welding. The center, with its showcase atrium, not only excites students about manufacturing careers, but also connects employers and future employees.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Light-filled, wedge-shaped atrium slices through entire building and separates key spaces
- Atrium supports study and socialization, but can also be reconfigured for lectures, job fairs, and competitions
- Circulation keeps views open to atrium and shop floors to highlight programs and create a sense of community
- Main conference room perched above atrium displays functional areas of building
- Design maintains open, industrial feel of space
