Danville Area Community College Trustees have been told that work on Jacobs Hall is ahead of schedule and well within budget. The report came from DACC President Dr. Stephen Nacco during the board’s regular meeting this (Thursday) evening. A $2-million dollar bequest from the late Julius W. Hegeler II is being used to turn a former Carnegie Library located on campus into a liberal arts and performing arts center. It is named in honor of Dr. Alice Marie Jacobs, who served as President of the community college for 17 years.
Dr. Nacco says while doing waterproofing, the construction crew discovered the foundation of the almost 100 year old building in pristine condition. Nice weather has allowed a lot of outside work on the building to advance, including tuck-pointing and removal of what was a loading dock.
The building will support liberal arts education for visual, performing and dramatic arts. Some of the work that is yet to be done includes new HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning)…installation of an elevator and interior stairway among things. The work began in late July, and is expected to be completed by late May of next year.
‘’It’s going to be gorgeous,’’ Nacco told the trustees. And he added it will not only be a place for musical and dramatic performances by students, but may also be a revenue-producing facility.
