Columbia College gets approval for new student center

Columbia College scored a building permit to begin work on its new five-story, 114,000-square-foot student center in the South Loop.

The work at 754 South Wabash Avenue is expected to cost $45 million, according to paperwork filed with the city.

The building is billed as the school’s first dedicated student center since its founding in 1890. It will include dance studios, study lofts, maker labs, a fitness center, dining area and an 800-person event space, according to Curbed.

It replaces a vacant lot owned by the college at 8th Street and Wabash Avenue.

The architect is David Broz of Gensler. The general contractor is Pepper Construction Company.

The project is expected to be completed early next year.