The Millikin University Board of Trustees have approved construction plans for a new campus facility in Decatur for student-athletes at Millikin University. The $6.7 million building will be located at the current site of the Old Gym on Millikin University campus, which will be razed to allow for the new construction.
Millikin University Athletics reports that construction is scheduled to begin in 2023 once funding has been secured. The architectural partner for the project is Decatur Illinois firm BLDD. The 10,870 square foot facility will include the following:
- A weight room/performance center
- Locker rooms to accommodate football, and men's and women's track and field
- A training room
- A team meeting room for multi-purpose use
The new athletic facility will feature 120 lockers and the ability to convert into two separate rooms with 60-locker spaces. This project will be the first phase of Millikin University's Athletic Facilities Expansion and Renovation capital initiative.
"This initiative continues Millikin's forward-thinking momentum and adds to the outstanding physical transformation we have seen on campus over the last few years, including the Workman Family Baseball Field and the Center for Theatre & Dance. Millikin Athletics programs serve as a great source of pride for the University, the surrounding communities and beyond. The support we have seen from alumni and friends of the University for this initiative not only shapes the future of Millikin Athletics, but will benefit the University's enrollment efforts and the entire community."
Millikin President | Dr. Jim Reynolds
The new athletic facility will eliminate congestion in the Griswold Physical Education Center, while meeting the needs of Big Blue football and the men's and women's track and field teams.
WANDtv News states that the project is made possible from paid gift funds, including a generous leading gift from David and Debbie Rathje. To date, $3.7 million has been committed to the $6.7 million project. David Rathje, a Millikin graduate from the class of 1958 is founder and chairman of Rathje Enerprises Inc. d/b/a Bodine Electric of Decatur, which also includes The Kelly Group. The companies employ more than 1,400 workers.
David Rathje has also contributed to Millikin's "Advancing the Vision" and "Transform MU" capital campaigns. He has established an endowed scholarship and has also made leadership-level contributions to the University Commons building project and several memorials. He has earned recognition on the Wall of Philanthropy for his lifetime giving.
Millikin University reports that Millikin Director of Athletics, Dr. Craig White stated that the construction of this new facility will solve several existing issues while also allowing Millikin to host College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) and NCAA competitions. He went on to say that the improvements to the athletic facilities will allow Millikin Athletics to experience facilities equal to that of other members in this great conference, which will be more attractive to both incoming and current students and ultimately lead to more success on the field and in the classroom.