Overview
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 Out-of-date and/or worn out utility support system will be replaced and/or upgraded.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.
Progress Reports
February 22, 2012 by Sam Ball
Built in 1974, this 54,000 square foot building has a myriad of problems that will be resolved in the renovation. Classrooms will include modern technology and be right-sized with efficient and versatile layouts. Informal study areas will be added.
All areas will be fully accessible and will comply with all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Energy efficient windows and insulation, coupled with heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems will lower on-going operating costs and allow the college to strive for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating.
This project furthers several GRCC 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 project also 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.
The project is scheduled to be completed in late spring 2013 and fully operational for fall quarter 2013.
October 4, 2010 by Sam Ball
The design process continues on schedule to accommodate a construction start in late winter 2012. During fall quarter 2011 and throughout the holiday break, all SMT operations will be temporarily relocated in the HS/SS/BI complex to prepare for this extensive renovation.
The schedule calls for operations to return to SMT in time for a fall quarter 2013 opening.
February 22, 2010 by Sam Ball
SMT design consultants met with faculty and support staff during fall quarter 2009 to develop schematic plans (room locations, shapes, and sizes) for the classrooms, offices and support spaces.
Program consolidation, layout efficiency, right-sizing spaces and adding technology infrastructure was considered.
In the existing SMT structure, right-sizing of spaces, adding new elevators and restrooms prevented the addition of new classrooms. It even became necessary for the Facilities to plan for a permanent relocation.
The design and permit process will be complete in spring 2011. To prepare for construction, SMT occupants will temporarily occupy the HS/SS/BI complex. Construction is slated to be complete in early 2013 followed by the installation of equipment and furnishings.
SMT occupants will move back into the newly renovated facility in time for a fall quarter 2013.
August 31, 2009 by Sam Ball
Architects and Engineers have been working with college staff to identify critical structural, mechanical, electrical, ADA access challenges that will impact the ability to address existing program fragmentation and resultant inefficiencies. This renovation project will not increase the existing building size, so every effort will be made to consolidate building support systems efficiently. This preliminary effort will help prepare the design team to begin meetings with faculty and support staff in early October.
Program goals will include the design of right sized classrooms and faculty offices, areas that accommodate double sections that utilize inter-disciplinary approaches to instruction, and informal study areas. Versatile program spaces will ensure a significant increase in the utilization of available square footage.