ECC Takes Major Step Toward New Rolla Campus
East Central College Trustees approved the hiring of a general contractor for the new ECC Rolla campus, paving the way for state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and student spaces.
K&S Associates, Inc., of St. Louis, was selected to lead the construction to transform the former U.S. Geological Survey building at 1400 Independence Road following a competitive bid process.
At the Aug. 25 Board of Trustees meeting, Navigate Building Solutions, the ECC Rolla renovation project manager, presented bid results and recommended K&S Associates. The approval authorizes a contract totaling $9.64 million, with an additional 10 percent contingency to address unforeseen needs during construction.
“This is another important milestone in bringing our permanent ECC Rolla campus vision to reality,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC President. “The building renovation will provide modernspace for our students, faculty, and staff — and ultimately strengthens our ability to serve the region with advanced workforce training programs and accessible and affordable higher education.”
The project is supported by $19.5 million in state and federal funding, including:
- $13 million from Missouri’s American Rescue Plan Act funds
- $3 million in federal earmarked funds for a Health Sciences Academy
- $3.5 million from Missouri’s MoExcels grant program for an Advanced Manufacturing Center
Building Demolition Work
The first phase of East Central College’s transformation of the building began with Cahills Construction Inc., a Rolla-based firm, which was awarded a $1,082,575 contract for selective demolition and hazardous materials abatement inside the 107,000-square-foot facility.
That work cleared interior walls, ceilings, and mechanical systems, preparing the structure for renovation while preserving its core.
Facility Background
ECC purchased the former USGS building in June 2024 for $5.1 million, using state and federal funds.
The acquisition allows the college to consolidate its current Rolla operations, which are currently spread across two leased locations, into one college-owned site. The new facility will house a Health Sciences Academy, a Center for Advanced Manufacturing, student services, GED classes, and workforce training programs under one roof.
Renovations are expected to be completed in early 2027. Once finished, the Rolla campus will provide students with centralized access to expanded services and modern facilities designed to meet the growing needs of students and regional employers.
The offices of the federal agencies operating in the facility will remain after the renovation is completed.
