Mortenson Construction is launching a major renovation and expansion of Harper College’s sports and wellness center to create a state-of-the-art health and recreation center for the Palatine, Ill., community college and Chicago’s northwest suburbs. The $38 million project includes constructing the shell and core of a 10,000-square-foot addition planned to house a medical clinic run by Northwest Community Healthcare for students, faculty, staff and area residents.

Harper College, along with Mortenson Construction and architect Cannon Design, held a groundbreaking for the modernization project on April 10.

Building M, closed until the renovation is completed in August 2018, is home to the school’s athletics and kinesiology and health education departments as well as a pool, fitness center and gym. In addition to a renovation and upgrading of these current departments, team training facilities, and fitness and public spaces, Mortenson will be adding a new sports medicine area, exercise rooms, and six classrooms to the existing two-story, 130,000-square-foot building.