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Kent Campus Relocation Project |
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Project Description The City of Kent and Tarragon Development, in a public-private partnership are developing Kent Station, a realization of the City’s vision to create a downtown that is the community’s focal point and identity. Kent Station will be located adjacent to Sound Transit’s Sounder Commuter Rail Station and parking garage, the existing downtown, and the King County Regional Justice Center. Between 2000 and 2010, the populations of Auburn and Kent are projected to increase by 8.5%. Kent is now the largest community in South King County, with 84,000 residents. With that growth in mind, the City of Kent, Kent School District, and Kent Chamber of Commerce strongly encouraged Green River to relocate from its current leased facility to the new Kent Station project and expand its delivery of education and training services. Taking into consideration the long term goal of expanding the college’s presence at the Center at Kent during Phase II, a Kent Campus Project Committee worked with the project developer to locate Center at Kent Phase I adjacent to a building site ideally suited for the construction of Phase II. These side-by-side locations for Center at Kent Phase I and II are adjacent to the Sounder train station and bus connectors, providing excellent public transportation opportunities for students and staff alike. A large parking garage is also adjacent to the site. By locating in the Kent Station project, the college will better serve the communities in the northern portion of our service district, as well as allow the college to expand its offerings by delivering general studies programs. By offering core classes at a satellite campus, the college will provide easily accessible programs and services to a greater number of students in its delivery area. Tarragon Development has provided renderings of Kent Station. Project History In 1986, the college leased space in Kent to meet local business and industry-training needs through customized, contract training programs. The Center at Kent currently housed in a 16,000 sq. ft. facility, is limited in space, flexibility, and technology infrastructure, inhibiting program growth and responsiveness. In addition, the demand for other college programs in the northern part of the college service area continues to grow. A 22,000 sf. facility in the new Kent Station Project will provide the college with the ability to incorporate state-of-the-art technology and flexible classroom configurations capable of responding to the ever-changing needs of the community. This project supports the following Board of Trustees approved Institutional Goals: Provide quality programs and support services that are responsive to student and community needs Provide technology, equipment, and facilities that enhance the learning environment Collaborate with government, business, and community organizations to advance common goals Maximize resources through responsible management, entrepreneurial activity, and fundraising. Project Financing In 2003 the college requested and received authorization to use the state’s lease/purchase (COP) program to finance the purchase of a condominium portion of a 40,000 sf. retail building in the new Kent Station project. The center will be located on the second floor with a ground floor entry and staff office space. Occupancy for Center at Kent Phase I is scheduled for Fall, 2005. Programs and Courses The new Center at Kent is planning to offer comprehensive services and programs to students and the community:
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| Last updated on: 09/13/2006 |
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