Campus Improvements
Alx George
The Commuter
As construction progresses on the Linn-Benton Community College’s new science building, Madrone Hall, students can look forward to an eco-friendly space for their studies.
Fred Haynes, dean of Instructional Facilities Planning and co-dean of Science, Engineering & Technology explains that with the roof and ceiling up and the electricity running, the building’s interior is being painted and textured. Next week is the anticipated date to start putting in two elevators. The overall finish date is tentatively expected to be in December.
“Hopefully it will be ready for student occupancy in January [when winter term begins],” said Haynes.
However, that’s just phase one of this project. The second phase involves the existing Science and Technology building. Haynes explains that the plans are to “gut” the interior (to remove asbestos) and then make it earthquake safe. The projected start date for this phase is February 2010.
According to Haynes, one of the aims of this project is upgrading the science labs, which were originally built in the 1970s. The other aim is to provide more study and work space for students, which includes adding more classrooms.
As for going green, Haynes let us in on some interesting plans. “We’ll add some things like energy efficient windows and a green roof. This will help LBCC lessen its carbon footprint, which are carbon emissions that contribute to global warming." Haynes also explained that going greener would help LBCC financially.
Haynes explained that the project will offer modern facilities and will provide study space and access to improved science labs.
“It also increases LBCC’s ability to reach out to more students in math and science,” Haynes said.
