The Ragozzino Performance Hall got a new roof from the $121 million bond.
On May 19, 2020, voters in Lane County entrusted Lane Community College by approving the college’s $121.5 million bond proposal to fund safety and security updates, seismic retrofitting, expanded Health Professions and Workforce Training Programs, and modernization of classroom technology.
So far, two projects have been completed. The college’s performing arts building, Building 6, got a new roof to address extensive leaks. The existing eight-lane running track has also been resurfaced.
One of the major projects in the works is the construction of a new Health Professions building on the main campus. The development of this 28-thousand-square-foot building — subsidized by the bond and an $8 million grant from the state — will be located toward the north side of Building 6. It will house the college’s dental clinic, dental-related programs, Emergency Medical Services programs, and Medical Assistant programs.
The Florence Center, which is one of the college’s campuses, is undergoing some maintenance and renovation. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems at the campus are all original from the 1970s.; the college will replace them with new and upgraded systems. The college will enhance classrooms and some other educational facilities as well. This project is also being supported by a $1.5 million grant from the state to do some seismic stabilization so the building would be able to withstand earthquakes.
Another major project is the renovation that will be done in Building 12, the Machine and Construction Technology building. The building is set to be transformed into a hub for apprenticeships, advanced technology, and industry-related programs.
Other upcoming projects include repaving and maintaining the parking lot, replacing fire hydrants, and upgrading pedestrian pathways. The public safety building, which was initially in Building 12, is going to be relocated, and that location is currently being decided.
Thomas Goodhew, the bond project manager, said that there will be some changes to the east side of the campus. “We’ll also look at improving that whole entry sequence from the east side of campus so that it actually is inviting for that group of students as well as the other visitors to the campus.”
Finally, the college will be building a workforce and career development center. This building is supposed to be a place where prospective, current, and former students can visit to seek help and get information on jobs and workforce training.
Each project is expected to take about two to four years to complete. Goodhew estimates that it “will take about six to eight years to work through all the projects.”
