University Center earns local contractor award

JICI earns NCB Merit Award

 

Jim Ingledue Construction Inc. (JICI) of Angola has received a 2008 Merit Award in the National Commercial Builders Council’s Awards of Excellence program for the construction of Trine University’s University Center and Center for Technology and Online Resources.

Ken Wilson, president of JICI, second from left, presents Trine University president Earl D. Brooks II with a Merit Award from the National Commercial Builders Council. The company earned the award for the building of the Trine University Center, in which the group stands. Bob Brady, JICI general superintendent, holds JICI's Merit Award. At far left is Trine Senior Vice President Michael R. Bock. At far right is JICI founder Jim Ingledue.

The Awards of Excellence program recognizes achievements in the national commercial building industry for design (remodeling and new construction), market appeal, energy efficiency, challenges faced during building, and overall success of projects that are either built or renovated. Awards were for projects completed since Jan. 1, 2006. The National Commercial Builders Council is a sub-council of the National Association of Home Builders.

JICI earned the Merit Award for projects of 40,001-75,000 square feet in the category of institutional building. Other divisions included commercial, industrial, institutional, medical, mixed-use commercial/retail, recreational, retail, and green building.

Trine’s 73,000-square-foot University Center and Center for Technology and Online Resources, unveiled Homecoming weekend Oct. 4-6, 2007, immediately became the campus nerve center, attracting students and staff to Whitney Commons for gourmet dining; Fabiani Theatre for films and cultural events; the student lounge for sessions in the motion therapy chairs; the Center for Digital Excellence for state-of-the-art technology; and the Library and Information Services for educational resources, workgroup collaboration, and individual study. The Trine Bookstore opened with shelves of clothing and accessories for sports fans, gifts and snacks, textbooks, and school supplies. Students flocked to the Office of Student Life and IT Help Desk for aid and services, while a new post office also kept services central and convenient.

The center came about through a need for a state-of-the-art facility to serve students, faculty, administration, and the community, with a focus on collaboration and technology. It features an innovative “S”-shaped overall design, with floor-to-ceiling atriums which flood its vaulted mall area with light.

The award underscores a long-standing partnership between the builder and the university. The construction company has undertaken other large construction projects for Trine, including the Campus Village villas, the renovation of the C.W. Sponsel Administration Center, and the Athletic and Recreation Center (ARC) now being built.

“The partnership between JICI and Trine University makes this award even greater in our minds,” said construction company founder Jim Ingledue. “This strengthens the great relationship in which we both believe so strongly.”

“For a local builder like us to get this honor is beyond belief. Showcasing a small town project in northeast Indiana on a national level doesn’t happen every day,” said  JICI president Ken Wilson.

“We are proud to earn yet another prestigious award for our University Center,” said Trine University President Earl D. Brooks II. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with JICI as we continue our plan to strengthen and expand Trine University and its offerings.”