Trades Replacement Project

The Green River Community College Trades and Industry Complex (TI) is comprised of five aging buildings, TI-A, TI-B, TI-C, TI-D, and TI-E, which house the automotive, auto body, carpentry, manufacturing, and welding educational programs. TI-A, B, and C were built in 1966 and TI D and E in 1976. The complex is one of the original low cost, “cottage style” facilities at Green River - built quickly to meet an immediate program need, without much regard for longevity.

The TI Complex, with the exception of TI-D that was renovated in 2002, is a prime candidate for replacement. The 2005 Facilities Condition Survey score of 662 greatly exceeds the Replace threshold of 475 and supports the College’s own assessment that the buildings have exceeded their life cycles.

The design process began in 2009. Significant reductions in capital finding during the 2010 supplemental legislative session resulted in a decision to “mothball” the design process until 2012. The design process will re-start in 2012 with the goal of having permits in hand in spring 2013.

Construction funding for the TI Complex is expected in 2013-2015.

October 6, 2010 by Sam Ball

The college and the City of Auburn recently agreed to swap ownership of  the city-owned Lea Hill Park and the college/foundation owned Martin property.  The new trades facility will be constructed on the existing Lea Hill park site and a new park will be constructed on the Martin property.

In preparation for an application to rezone the existing park to Institutional to accommodate the new trades facility, community meetings were held to gain input and hear concerns such as noise, traffic,  and building mass. Design elements are being incorporated to help mitigate concerns.

In 2009 design consultants began  working with faculty  and staff  to identify program goals  and needs that will drive the  design of state-of-the -art  trades & industry instructional and support space. The design and permitting schedule has been adjusted to  allow for a construction start in summer 2013.