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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
1. Why construct a new
Science Center?
The existing Science and Technology (ST)
complex, constructed in 1965, has exceeded life cycle requirements and is no
longer able to support the instructional science program needs for the
institution. The Occupational Education Building (OEB), constructed in 1969
is of similar vintage as the ST complex and is also in a similar state of
disrepair. The lack of adequate science and health science labs and classrooms is further
aggravated by the increasing FTE demands from a rapidly expanding community
population base. A request for state funds to proceed into a pre-design stage
for this project was approved and a Science
Pre-design Team
comprised of GRCC instructors, administrative
staff, and facilities personnel along with a consultant team from S. M.
Stemper Architects began intensive efforts to determine the scope, program,
and budget for a new Science Center.
A new facility will allow the college to accommodate increasing enrollment
pressure and provide accredited science and health science programs needed to keep GRCC current
with industry and marketplace demand. Given the poor
condition of the existing facilities, there will be definite operational cost
savings with the construction of a new facility that meets current energy
standards and is equipped with new energy efficient mechanical and
electrical systems. The new facility will afford the opportunity to
centralize the college’s ‘wet lab’ science programs, to include chemistry, physics, astronomy, life sciences, geology,
and health sciences within one
facility.
The proposed new facility is not only identified in the College's 10-year
plan and is included in the current master plan, but it is also a key element in
the College's master facilities plan. The Pre-design Study will outline the
need for this facility and set parameters for its program design, budget,
and schedule.
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2. Who is represented
on the pre-design team?
Green River Community College instructors, administrative and facilities
personnel along with a consultant team from S. M. Stemper Architects made up
the Pre-design Team.
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3. What is the
timeline and scope of this project?
For an up-to-date timeline and scope for this project, please refer to
the most recent Science Center Progress
Report.
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4. How was the site selected?
A major institutional master planning decision was made in the proposed
siting of both the new Technology Center and Science Center on the
athletic field situated between the existing ST and SMT buildings. The utility infrastructure is directly available
at the site and concurrent site development for both facilities offers a
number of cost and development advantages. Additionally, the programs that
are planned in these facilities are well situated for related studies and
faculty/staff support in the adjacent SMT building. Another advantage to
this location includes the reutilization of existing developed acreage,
supporting the College's goal of preserving the natural campus environment
and incorporating achievable elements of sustainable design.
The major disadvantage of utilizing this site for the new Technology Center and a future
Science Center is the loss of the athletic field. Replacing the
track function and playing field will be aggressively addressed in the
developing master plan through future campus design options.
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5. Will environmental
concerns be addressed?
GRCC is blessed with a beautiful natural setting and a statement will be
made in sustainable design along with the assumed energy conservation
features it should achieve. A key component for the pre-design study will be
defining sustainable design concepts that are appropriate for this project.
This effort will include exploring the possibilities for natural day
lighting, native landscaping, natural ventilation, and energy efficient
mechanical systems. An energy efficiency life cycle cost analysis will be
provided to ensure that long range cost benefits are considered.
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6. Will I have the
opportunity for input?
You may submit your questions regarding this project by sending an e-mail to
Sam Ball.
Our project team will review questions asked and submit replies to the
inquirer.
In an effort to keep you informed as to the plans and progress of the
project, this website will be periodically updated.
7. Who is represented
on the design team?
Green River Community College instructors, administrative and facilities
personnel along with a consultant team from S. M. Stemper Architects make up
the Design Team.
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