Since its inception in 1966, Kankakee Community College (KCC) has provided a quality education to thousands of students each year. With a steady increase in enrollment and a demand for a wider range of academic offerings, KCC made a strategic decision to commission Demonica- Kemper Architects to lead in the creation of a satellite facility fittingly named the North Extension Center located in Bradley, IL, just north of Kankakee.

The new facility focuses on workforce development and adult education with cutting-edge classrooms to create an engaging learning environment.  The facility is also home to a computer lab, conference room, workforce services office, instructional rooms for the new massage therapy program, and staff offices. The North Extension Center not only allows the school to better serve the needs of students, faculty, staff, and the community members but it also features numerous energy-savings strategies to reduce its ecological impact and operating costs.

Aligned with the rules of the Illinois Sustainable University Compact and the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment, calling for all new campus buildings to meet or exceed the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED Silver standard, the North Extension is a LEED Gold certified facility. It was the first building in Kankakee County to receive the USGBC LEED Gold certification. 

LEED is a certification given to a building based upon its environmentally-friendly attributes. At over 18,350 square feet, the two-story building includes at least 10 features which were planned out to ensure energy efficiency. To coordinate with the contemporary aesthetic of the interior, Focal Point Equation 2x4 luminaires were selected for the classrooms. Seem 6 Recessed was installed in hallways, providing a line of light that fits organically into the architecture while delivering superior illumination.