Campus improvements move forward

Worker lays out carpet in Campus Center Main.

Brace yourselves. Mission College’s "new look" is expected to gradually take hold over the next 12 months.

In fact, it’s already begun. While many of the college’s instructors were away on summer break, Campus Center was newly carpeted, painted, and high traffic areas, including stairs, were refitted with firm rubber matting for greater safety. About 35,000-square feet of flooring was replaced with attractive, yet sturdy sectional carpeting.

"This is really good use of our Proposition A funds," said college President Adriana Barrera. "Campus Center is one of our most used facilities, and it’s the place where we greet the public. It now has a much warmer, more comfortable feel."

Next in line is construction of the Child Development Center. Groundbreaking for the two-story, 31-thousand-square foot classroom and office building is planned for November, with completion of the building expected about 12 months later. (Although this is a state-funded project, it was initially identified as part of the college’s Proposition A building program.)

Groundbreaking for the Child Development Center is expected in November

In spring 2005, work is expected to begin on a three-story parking structure to be built on the site of the existing student parking lot. To accommodate student parking during the expected 13 months of construction, a temporary parking facility at Hubbard Street and the 210 Freeway will be leased. Shuttle buses will transport students from the lot to the college, at no cost to students.

"These are the ‘big projects’ that will bring bulldozers to campus, but throughout the year we’re also going to be busy with a number of smaller, essential projects," said Luis Cruz, Mission College project director.

Groundbreaking for new parking structure is due in spring 2005

For example, beginning this September and continuing roughly for several months, remodeling and refurbishing of the Instructional Building will take place, said Cruz. (Similar remodeling will be done in the Learning Resource Center, but that is not expected to begin until fall 2005.)

In summer 2005, work is expected to begin on underground improvements designed to enhance water, electrical, and sewer service to the campus, said Cruz.

"This tunnel will allow us to better regulate heat, air and water use throughout the campus at great savings in utility costs to the college," he said.

Looking further down the road, Cruz said plans presently call for the relocation of employees and offices now housed in the Campus Services Building in fall 2005. The remodeling and conversion of the building into a new campus Sheriff’s Office will follow that relocation.

– BY EDUARDO PARDO / Photos: Lydia Chung