The Iowa Valley Community College District Board of Directors has approved moving forward with a proposed dorm renovation project at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls.

On Wednesday, the board approved plans and specifications for a proposed renovation project at Thompson Hall.

The renovation is part of the district’s larger capital projects plan that’s being funded by $32 million in bonds that were approved by voters in 2019. The dorm renovation project itself is now estimated at roughly $4.9 million dollars.

The renovation work at Thompson Hall will include mechanical, plumbing, and electrical upgrades, as well as improvements to restrooms.
Thompson Hall was damaged by a fire in August of 2019 which displaced nearly 150 students for nearly a month. The fire started when a short in an electrical outlet in a storage room ignited a nearby pile of mattresses.

The renovation work a Thompson Hall is scheduled to begin in December of this year. bid letting for the project is scheduled for May 12th. The IVCCD board could award a contract for the project a its regular meeting on June 8th.