Farming is coming to downtown Waukegan, but operations won't involve a barn or tractors. The College of Lake County's Urban Farm Center will be housed in a sleek $15 million building to promote modern agricultural techniques and provide a diverse, year-round supply of locally grown food, including 'the vertical production of food.'
Envisioned as the latest addition to CLC's Lakeshore campus, the 23,582-square-foot grow center at Sheridan Road and Madison Street will offer opportunities for students and community members alike. It also will unlock potential for the public good, spur economic development, and increase the area's vibrancy, according to CLC President Lori Suddick.
The vacant site was used as a staging area for the recently completed Student Center at 34 N. Sheridan Road. The city last week approved height and setback variations, and fundraising is getting underway.
Besides training students in hydroponic and greenhouse growing in a controlled environment, the center will offer local entrepreneurs space to grow, process and distribute food, according to the college. An indoor retail market featuring local food products will operate inside, according to plans.
Read the entire article at The Daily Herald