Millikin University plans $6.7 million facility for athletes

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The Millikin Board of Trustees on Friday, approved construction plans for a new campus facility for student-athletes. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2023 once funding has been secured.

The estimated $6.7 million building will be located at the current site of the Old Gym on Millikin University's campus. The Old Gym will be razed to allow for new construction.

The architectural partner for the project is Decatur (Ill.) firm BLDD. The 10,870 square foot facility will include:

A weight room/performance center.
Locker rooms to accommodate football, and men's and women's track and field.
A training room and a team meeting room for multi-purpose use.

The new athletic facility will feature 120 lockers and the ability to convert into two separate locker rooms with 60-locker spaces.

This is 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," said Millikin President Dr. Jim Reynolds. "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 Director of Athletics Dr. Craig White said, "There is no doubt that additional locker room space is needed for our athletic programs to continue to grow and thrive. 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."

"Facilities are an important part of Division III athletics. Competing on an athletic team is a passion for many students in higher education throughout the country," said White. "Millikin is fortunate to be a part of one of the most respected Division III conferences in the country with membership in the CCIW. The improvements to 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."

This project is made possible from paid gift funds, including a leading gift from David and Debbie Rathje. To date, $3.7 million has been committed to the $6.7 million project.

David Rathje is founder and chairman of Rathje Enterprises Inc., d/b/a Bodine Electric of Decatur, which also includes The Kelly Group.

"We very much believe in giving back to your community, which is one of the reasons why we chose to support this building project," Rathje said. "As someone that was born and raised in Decatur, we want to see the community and Millikin University thrive. We believe that the addition of on-campus athletic facilities aids in the recruitment of student-athletes and also increases the enjoyment of campus life for all students."