Renovations ramp up on LCC campus

With everything from new dining options being installed in the TLC Building to the Gannon Building pool being closed, students have likely noticed major changes ramping up around LCC—and they can expect to see more next semester.

LCC Director of Public Affairs Ellen Jones said the Arts & Sciences Building remains one of the major projects evolving on campus now.

Portions of the A & S Building on the first and second floor are still in the demolition and abatement phase for the removal of any lead and asbestos.

According to Jones, the projection is running on schedule under general contractor Granger Construction. It is expected to cost $31 million, $9.975 million of which is from the State of Michigan.

While the A & S Building may receive a facelift, the goals set by college officials remain the same; the science labs will be upgraded to facilitate a better learning environment that can stand up against any freshman or sophomore lab in the nation.

LCC Dean of Arts and Science Michael Nealon explained, “By the end of December, all first-floor classrooms, faculty offices, meeting room and the amphitheatre will have been vacated and ready for demolition and construction.  The main lobby, elevators and stairwells will remain accessible.

“The only spaces on the second floor that will remain open and accessible to serve the needs of students and faculty will be the Writing Center and the Center for Transitional Learning.”

According to Nealon, the first and second floors will be repopulated mid to late May 2013. The first and second floor lobbies will be closed during the break between spring and summer semesters.

Redesigning Gannon
and dining options

Since the LCC Board of Trustees voted Sept. 17 to close the Gannon swimming pool, the Department of Physical Fitness and Wellness has been developing plans to close down the facility.

LCC President Brent Knight has suggested developing a student commons area in its place with potential dining options. The Gannon renovations are expected to cost $18.3 million, according to Jones.

According to Jones, the college will begin to focus on new dining options when plans for the Gannon Building renovations are finalized.

Off campus renovations

going smoothly

The Mason Jewett Airport hangar, which LCC purchased several years ago for the aviation mechanic program, is scheduled to undergo renovations beginning in early January, according to Jones.

“We are upgrading and expanding it so the aviation mechanic program can move out there,” Jones said. “That program will probably be growing because there are a lot of job opportunities in that field.”

Jones added the program will likely be in operation at the hangar by fall semester 2013.

In addition, portions of West Campus were expanded for the computer information technology program, which used to be housed on main campus.

The expansion of welding and building construction labs at West Campus cost $1.1 million, according to Jones.

The parking lot that LCC purchased from the city, south of the University Center, was resurfaced and opened for college employee parking Nov 5.

Herrmann House

faces challenges

As for the Herrmann House renovations, the building has met with some unexpected challenges, such as damaged pipes, that require further reparations.

The total budget for the Herrmann House is $300,000, according to Jones.

Knight and his wife, Risé, were scheduled to move into the house at the beginning of the fall semester. However, those plans will likely be pushed back until spring semester 2013, according to Jones.

“We like to say that this is a house that will be for many presidents to come,” Jones said.

Last but not least, Jones said, students, staff and faculty will continue to be a part of the renovation process by providing input on what they would like to see.

Jones said, “They absolutely have been (a part of the process) in Arts and Science, and I’m certain they will be on Gannon as well.”

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