MONROE — A construction company has started to move dirt today in preparation of pouring a foundation for the new $1.2 million University of Louisiana at Monroe BCM. An official groundbreaking is scheduled but no date has been released yet.
The cost of project is $1.2 million but includes volunteer labor. The new BCM will be located at 1005 University Avenue and is scheduled for completion July 1, 2017. The new 10,000-square-foot BCM will feature expansive worship, office and meeting room space, lobby and student apartments.
“We have already raised about 80-85 percent of the $1.2 million,” said Chad McClurg, BCM campus director. “We were at a point that it would have cost just as much to renovate our old building what with the problems to our roof, heating and cooling system than to go ahead and build a new building.
“This building will be functionable for at least the next 50 years and will allow us to impact students for a long, long time,” McClurg continued. “We will be across the street from two dorms and two blocks away for a new international center. So, we are strategically placed to reach the campus. We are excited to get started.
“As the university is growing, the sky is the limit for what we can accomplish because of where we will be located,” said McClurg.