SMT Renovation Project Description

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You may submit questions or provide feedback regarding this project to Sam Ball.

The 54,000 square foot Science, Mathematics, and Technology (SMT) building is one of the core classroom buildings at Green River Community College. Built in 1974, the facility has a myriad of problems that will be addressed:

Program Fragmentation In the building’s 33 year history, programs have expanded, contracted, relocated or have been replaced. This has caused program fragmentation and resultant inefficiencies.

By providing right sized classrooms, areas designed for double sections that utilize  inter-disciplinary approaches to instruction, and informal study areas, versatile program space will ensure significant increase in space utilization.

Program consolidation, layout efficiency, right-sizing instructional areas, and  adding technology infrastructure to classrooms and seminar spaces is also needed to respond to anticipated FTE growth.

Absence of Life Safety System The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) mandates that educational buildings larger that 5,000 SF contain fire suppression sprinkler systems. This three-story building has fire suppression sprinklers installed on 30% of the first floor only. This will be addressed by adding fire suppression sprinklers throughout the facility and upgrading the fire-alarm system.

Restricted ADA Site Access The SMT Building was built before ADA became law and does not provide code-compliant access for non-ambulatory persons.  Interior circulation will be ADA compliant and pathways serving building entrances will be re-graded .

Energy Inefficiency Problems There is no thermal insulation in the exterior walls. Most of the exterior windows are single-pane and the window frames have no thermal break. The HVAC systems are grossly inefficient so there is tremendous waste of energy. This will be addressed by adding exterior insulation, replacing windows and upgrading to an energy-efficient HVAC system.

The Age and Condition of Utility Support Systems The heating, ventilation, air-conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and power systems installed during original construction are beyond life cycle and in dire need of replacement. Out-of-date and/or worn out utility support system will be replaced and/or upgraded.

Facilities Master Plan Ideals addressed by SMT renovation include:

• Optimal space for quality teaching and learning environments that supports teaching innovations

• Creating designs that meet the access needs of our patrons and communities
• Constructing and maintaining facilities that incorporate quality, sustainable design elements
• Striving to be ecologically responsible in all planning efforts
• Preservation and protection the natural environment of the campus through continuity of architecture and control/management of green and open spaces

Renovation of the SMT Building responds to Green River’s Strategic Plan and its priorities. A renovated facility improves student access, is equipped with modern technology, and will be built with sustainable, durable materials whose space flexibility allows for program growth. Specifically, SMT renovation furthers the following college Strategic Goals:  

• Students will master the skills sought by employers to be successful in the workplace.
• Members of our diverse communities will have reasonable access to affordable educational programs and services that meet their needs.
• The citizens of Washington will be ensured of Green River’s consistent practice of responsible fiscal stewardship and public accountability.

The SMT renovation responds to the Institutional Goals outlined in the Instructional/Student Services Plan by:

• Improving student access to instructional programming; 
• Creating teaching spaces adjacent to faculty offices and students support services;
• Ensuring students will be trained on modern technology-based equipment; Improving long-term energy efficiency, and instructional flexibility.

Timeline and Scope

For an up-to-date timeline and scope for this project, please refer to the most recent Progress Report.