Allen Community College is taking its science labs and student center to new dimensions.
The college has hired Loyd Builders, Ottawa, to begin construction on a new physics lab this summer. The project involves conversion of the existing Campus Services-Mailroom to a physics lab, along with renovations that convert four classrooms into five offices, a conference room and two classrooms. The project comes with a price tag of a “few hundred thousand dollars.”
“I am waiting on budget numbers for that,” Vice President of Finance and Operations, Brian Counsil said. He anticipates exact numbers would be in by June.
It’s going to be a total remodel, according to biology instructor Travis Robb. Included is the removal of an existing wall and opening up space to accommodate more students. New furnishings will include flexible rectangular tables and a gas island, he said.
The college is also in the pre-planning phase of a new student center as part of the facility master plan, Counsil said.
“We are hoping to break ground on the student center remodel in April 2018,” he said.
The current student center was originally designed to feed 96 students, notably short of the 300 students the college now houses.The future design will include some “soft-study” seating space with computers and a “loud” game room including ping pong and pool. Incorporating outdoor seating and a new bookstore are being looked at. Campus Services and Student Life will both be located in the new center.
“ We are trying to create an environment that is welcoming to the students,” Counsil said. He estimated the cost of new center would range between 8 and $12 million.
“It’s a big project,” he said.
Architect One, Wichita, was involved in a major renovation project to biology labs, which began the summer of 2015 and was completed in January 2016. Biology instructor Betty Herring and Robb share a fondness for the recent renovations.
According to Counsil, the biology lab renovations were part of a $1.8 million project that included upgrading locker rooms and building entryways to meet ADA requirements.
Although the labs exist in the same rooms, seating and space issues were resolved by replacing three rectangular benches with individual islands equipped with stools. The new furniture allows instructors to be able to walk from one end of the room to the other without having to travel the perimeter.
“The new (islands) allow the students to face the instructor better,” Robb said. The old labs were out of date, he said.
The newer version of the labs reduces spillage by providing for better water and sewer accessibility. Both labs are equipped with three sinks besides a sink at every island. Instructors also have more storage space.
“It’s made everything easier. That is the main thing,” Robb said.
Faculty members gave a fair amount of input about the specifics of the changes to take place and Robb is pleased with the result.
Herring said she contemplated a transfer to the Burlingame campus because of its close proximity to family members. But she is so fond of the new labs, that has changed.
“I can always drive an hour and a half to see family,” she said.
Photo credit: Shellie Smitley
Cutline: Renovations to the biology labs help reduce spillage by providing for better water and sewer accessibility. Both labs are equipped with three sinks besides a sink at every island. Instructors also have more storage space.
Although the labs exist in the same rooms, seating and space issues were resolved by replacing three rectangular benches with individual islands equipped with stools. The new furniture allows instructors to be able to walk from one end of the room to the other without having to travel the perimeter.
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