The Torch

Issue date: 3/4/10 Section: News

Media Credit: Jacob Martin Tom Garrett and Rob Adkins repair the roof on Building 17. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Jacob Martin [Click to enlarge]

Construction workers on Main Campus rooftops and basements signal to students that campus renewal is well under way. As each term progresses, students see building renovations, parking lot expansions and the integration of new technology in classrooms.

After proposed Measure 20-142 passed, the Bond Leadership Team wasted no time getting to work. Leaking roofs are already becoming a thing of the past, "super smart classrooms" are already in use and the new Health and Wellness Building is nearing completion.

With this downpour of funding, occupants of buildings 4 and 5 managed to stay dry this wet season as both buildings were re-roofed over the summer. Bob Mention, project manager, explained that remodels for "buildings 4 and 5 are being designed right now" estimating that "the design will be finalized in about a month."

Chair of the Bond Leadership Team Alan Bahret said they have "stayed true to the list the board approved," assuring listeners that the plans are "really going to transform our campus."

Air circulation all over campus should reach new heights as all heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems will be brought up to speed. The new Health and Wellness Building, with approximately 300 windows will allow those inside to breathe easy.

In the South East corner of the Center Building, a first floor classroom that has been given new life by being remodeled and upgraded to a "smart classroom." Smart classrooms offer technological advancements that enhance opportunities for learning.

The Florence campus suffered from poor siding and leaky ceilings that have been remedied, offering a more pleasant outfit for the building and a drip proof roof. Nursing programs there are popular as well. With the installation of new science labs, students will be working with equipment on par with the times.

In the Athletic Treatment Center, the clothing issue area and the women's locker room are currently under construction. Also, new high-tech dance studios will allow classes to open or close curtains over the windows to let in the sun or block out onlookers.

Some of the projects that have not yet begun are major. There are plans to revamp the track and soccer fields, which will enhance the school's athletic programs and also be a potential source to draw revenue.

David Annundson, Building 2 project coordinator, details plans to remodel the top floor. Currently eight classrooms are available there, some in odd shapes or sizes and a minimal amount of office space. After renewal settles in, there will be six classrooms seating approximately 24-30 students. Two of those classrooms will focus on distance learning, two will be computer labs and the remaining will be smart classrooms. In addition, six new office spaces will be added.

Safety is an ever-present priority - fire alarms, lights and upgrades to the mass communication systems will be a focus in months to come. Keyless access will also be installed as doors and hardware are phased out and upgraded.

LCC has been winning awards for years now because of its sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. The college could continue to win awards with the aid of a new and improved recycling center. The new center will be located between Buildings 10 and 11 underneath the covered area. These plans are not finalized yet, but it could be partially enclosed and have a second floor, Mention said.

The Regional Technical Education Center, otherwise known as RTEC, will be making a variety of advancements for the community. Paul Croaker explained that "multi-use classrooms for simultaneously sending classrooms into the high school connections" will provide students in Eugene without career-based programs an opportunity for exploration.

A college curriculum will be provided in high schools, for those without the lab set up. The lectures will be televised in the high school, or for other participants, and students will have an opportunity to get hands on learning experience anytime LCC has open lab hours.

Advancements of campus renewal were outlined Feb. 3 during a presentation to inform students and faculty of the progress of Measure 20-142. From the auditoriums new seats, listeners followed a slideshow that outlined the board's projects. Little to no students were in attendance during the last presentation. The Facilities Planning Team meets in Building 7, Room 201 on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and welcomes the public to attend.

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