8/25/08: Master Planning Update #16
Master Planning Updates #1-15
If you have not had the opportunity, please read Master Planning Updates #1 (June 17, 2003), #2 (August 29, 2003), #3 (October 16, 2003), #4 (July 27, 2005), #5 (January 30, 2006), #6 (March 13, 2006), #7 (April 24, 2006), #8 (July 6, 2006), #9 (September 1, 2006), #10 (December 1, 2006), #11 (March 2, 2007), #12 (May 11, 2007), #13 (June 13, 2007), #14 (January 30, 2008) and #15 (April 17, 2008). These updates are archived on this web site.
Quick Master Planning Summary
The following is a quick update on Master Planning projects for GCC Main and GCC North.
GCC North – It's Open!
Driving by the site along newly widened Happy Valley Road, one can observe the newest jewel in Maricopa's crown, the four new buildings that complete Phase I of a 40-year plan to develop the GCC North location. The project was completed on time and a grand opening ceremony was conducted August 14, 2008. The ceremony officially dedicated the site. Tours of the new buildings will continue throughout the fall semester. For those interested, please see GCC North Construction Gallery #5 for a visual update on construction progress.
Renditions of planned buildings:
Looking north to Ludden Mountain, Instruction and Information buildings in foreground.
Computer Commons, from inside the Information building.
Life Sciences Building
Like GCC North, this three storey building (a GCC first) is developing quickly. The copper skin is in place and all three floors enclosed. The interior has been framed, drywall installed, and casework installation nearly completed. Finishes and furnishings have been selected by the planning team. Tours of the new building will be offered throughout the fall semester for those interested. Participants will be required to wear closed toed shoes. This project also remains on track, due for completion during the Fall of 2008 and opening in the Spring semester 2009. For those interested, please see Life Science Building Construction Gallery #4 for a visual update on construction progress.
Open
Life Sciences Building Construction Gallery #1 to view several depictions of the planned facility.
Public Safety Sciences Building
In December, the college selected Substance Design Consortium as its Architectural Consultant and FCI Constructors, Inc. as the Construction Manager @ Risk for this project. Planning is now underway, with construction drawings expected by late September. Recently the College decided to resite this building across Vogel Avenue, to the rear of the TPS Building. This new location will allow more opportunity for public safety training and expansion of the programs in the future. The Public Safety Science Building will house Administration of Justice, Emergency Medical Technology, Fire Science and Law Enforcement Operations studies. Construction is expected to begin in December 2008 with occupancy scheduled for December 2009.
Business Building Remodel
In February, the college selected RNL Design as its Architectural Consultant and Jokake as the Construction Manager @ Risk for this project. Planning is underway with construction to begin in August 2008 and the building ready for use in Fall 2009. The Educational Specifications call for the remodel of 15 classrooms and the International Education Program office, along with several ADA compliance and building code upgrades (balcony, elevator, restrooms and fire sprinkler systems). A "corporate look" is desired for many of the IT classrooms and the integration of more student "sticky space" in and around the building. Like the Student Union project, the planning team will be especially attentive to architectural fit of this building within GCC's more traditional architectural setting.Please note that construction will dictate the need for a staging area in the SE Parking Lot and temporary loss of some parking. Information on parking change will be disseminated by mid August.
Future Bond Projects
The following is a list of future bond projects. Dates provided are due dates for the development of Educational Specifications to the District Facilities and Planning office.
| Project | Development Due Date |
|---|---|
| T-1 Building | September 2009 |
| T-3 Auto Complex (includes some of T-2) | September 2009 |
| Fitness & Wellness | December 2010 |
| Old Life Science/Nursing Building complex | December 2011 |
Questions - Comments
Your input and questions concerning any of the College's bond projects is always welcome. If you have questions or ideas, please share them with the College. You can do this by clicking on the following email link. Questions and concerns will be addressed as expeditiously as possible, and where appropriate, shared with other readers in future Master Planning Updates.
E-mail Questions - Comments
Summary
In closing, let me express the College's sincere appreciation to those who have shared ideas, expertise and time toward the master planning process, development of the College's Project Lists, educational specifications, review of proposals and selection of architects and construction firms. Every attempt has been made to be inclusive, and the College will continue this approach as we plan, design and construct each project. If anyone desires a copy of documentation for any specific project, please email me and I will provide a copy or direct you to an on-line link. Please stay engaged. With your continued participation and ideas, GCC will become what we dream.
