The Lake Forest Historic Preservation Committee unanimously approved a request Wednesday night from Lake Forest College to demolish and reconstruct a portion of a dormitory.
School officials said $6.5 million in renovations are part of the college’s master plan to improve student life, in part by providing a greater ratio of square footage per student, said college Vice President Leslie Chapman.
“This plan will increase the size of the dorm from 27,000 to 44,000 feet, while only adding 13 more residents,” he said. The renovation will also include a new aerobics and fitness center as well as a food service area on the college’s North Campus.
The first phase of renovation, to be completed by late August, will include the majority of the project. Phase two will be devoted to “finishing touches” and is to be completed by January.
