|
|
| Springfield
field office staff will call this 25,000-square-foot, two-story
building their home in early 1999. |
CONSTRUCTION
BEGINS ON NEW DCFS FIELD OFFICE
SPRINGFIELD,
IL, SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 -- Ground was broken today for a new block-long
Department of Children and Family Services field office that will help
boost development on Springfield’s east side and provide better
service to the public.
The
25,000-square-foot, two-story building to be located on a now vacant
lot at 501 South 11th St. is slated to open in early 1999. Some 100
DCFS caseworkers will work from the new location predominately serving
clients from Sangamon County.
The
building is being developed by PitGam Enterprises Inc., a development
company owned by businessman Michael Pittman and professional basketball
star Kevin Gamble. The two are working to revitalize Springfield’s
east side, and the new DCFS building will be their fourth project on
11th Street. PitGam’s prior projects include construction of DCFS’
print shop andmail room on the corner of 11th Street and Capitol Ave.
"We’re
thrilled with the work PitGam has done for us in the past, and we’re
looking forward to having a
state-of-the-art building that will give DCFS field workers the elbow
room they need," said DCFS Director Jess McDonald. "The timing
couldn’t be better because it will coincide with a new agency-wide
computer system that will help our workers focus more time and attention
on clients. We’re also proud to partner with Gamble and Pittman
in this endeavor."
DCFS
also plans to use the building for central Illinois regional meetings.
Other field offices near Springfield are located in Lincoln, Beardstown,
Decatur, Taylorville, Jacksonville and Carlinville. In the past, DCFS
has depended on hotel space for regional meetings.
The Springfield
field office will be relocated to the 11th Street address after operating
14 years from a 17,000-square-feet rental property at 1001 N. Walnut
St.
"We’re excited about the partnership and the opportunity
to work with DCFS on this project," Pittman said. "This
fits into our master plan for the rejuvenation of Springfield’s
east side."
The
new concrete building will include more client service areas, a 1,200-square-foot
conference center, interview and administrative hearing rooms, a playroom
for youngsters, plus more storage and parking areas. It also will be
completely accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Bids
for the new building went out in January. A dilapidated building has
already been demolished on the site. It is anticipated the DCFS building
will open in February, 1999.
Architects
for the building are Construx of Illinois, based in Springfield.
--
30 --
