A groundbreaking ceremony for the Renewable Energy Center will take place in early November, but construction of the center won’t wait for the ceremonial first shovel to be thrown to start digging.

“I know it’s important for the construction crews to get in before the weather turns bad,” said Jill Nilsen, vice president for external relations. “It’s very likely we’ll have equipment behind us while we’re doing our ceremonial shovel in the ground. The groundbreaking is just ceremonial.”

Honeywell International will be in charge of the $80 million energy efficiency project. Of that total, $56 million will be used for the Renewable Energy Center. The rest will be used on 23 smaller projects around campus.

President Bill Perry said, “All the contracts are in Honeywell’s hands. We’re just waiting for them to make the next move.”

Gary Reed, director of Facilities Planning and Management, expects contracts to be wrapped up in the near future.

“We will begin shortly after the contract is finalized with Honeywell,” Reed said. “That should be very soon.”

As soon as construction begins, it won’t slow down.

“The contractor intends to have the building up so he can work inside during this winter . a very fast schedule,” Reed said.

Once the project begins, completion will take between 18 months and two years.

Nilsen said the groundbreaking ceremony would take place on either November 3 or 4; plans are still being finalized.

Gov. Pat Quinn is expected to attend the groundbreaking ceremony as well as other state and university officials.

“Getting all the people we wanted to have at the groundbreaking and coordinating their schedules was a challenge, but it looks like (Nov.) 3 or 4 for the date,” Nilsen said.

Sarah Ruholl can be reached at 581-7942 or [email protected].