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Remodeling causes crunch around campus

The College recently began renovations on the 2900 Building in an attempt to modernize its science programs and help students become more competitive in the job market.

The renovations began in August. The 2900 Building, built in 1965 and located in the northeastern part of SCC’s main campus, had housed physical science classes (biology, chemistry, physics geology, autocad and oceanography) and the labs associated with these classes. The updated facilities will have better technical equipment, and classrooms and lab spaces that are more functional than the previous facilities were. According to Judy Yu, SCC director of communications, the modernization will enhance SCC’s science programs, providing students experiences that better match what is expected in the working world.

“The old 2900 Building was not well laid out,” said Randy Stegmeier, director of facilities. “It was a maze of small rooms that were difficult to navigate and even harder to use in a practical way.”

The renovations cost around $4 million. “The funding comes from the state of Washington through a capital budget specifically dedicated to update and renovate facilities. These monies are separated from our general fund, and therefore, has no financial impact on our services to students,” Yu said.

While there may not be a financial impact on students, there is certainly a physical one.

Classes have been moved all over campus, some ending up in classroom space that was not meant to house such large classes. Biochemistry classes are being held in the 1500 Building (normally used for English and performance arts), and Japanese classes are being held in the PUB. Storage space, which is at a premium on campus, has been stretched thin.

As much equipment as could be was donated. Most of the biotech classes have been relocated to the UW Bothell campus, forcing students to commute.

The renovations are being done by Bayley Construction, based on designs by Schacht/Aslami Architecture, and are expected to be completed by Fall Quarter 2004.