Campus, Community Members Provide Feedback About Upcoming Construction Projects

An artist's rendering depicts what a new Science, Engineering, and Math Building might look like. The potential new facility is one possibility that has gained traction as Measure J planning is progressing.

An artist’s rendering depicts what a new Science, Engineering, and Math Building might look like. The potential new facility is one possibility that has gained traction as Measure J planning is progressing.

Members of the campus community and the public have participated in four open forums designed to provide information and solicit input about upcoming projects derived from the Measure J Bond Program at Cypress College. Feedback from the forums will guide evolution of existing plans and help shape the 20-year renovation of the Campus.

At the most-recent forum, held for employees and students on August 27, Vice President Karen Cant and architects provided an overview of the long-term and initial plans. The first projects to enter construction will likely include expansion of the Library/Learning Resource Center and construction of a Veterans Resource Center — something voters expressed a strongly desired. A new concept that has gained traction is the potential to build a new Science, Engineering, and Math Building rather than renovating the existing facility. Once the new building was complete, the current SEM Building would be used as swing space for the duration of the Measure J construction program. The concept would foster a more-efficient right-sizing of classes and labs and result in cost savings from eliminating the need for portable buildings. It would also allow construction to continue in permanent facilities, rather than temporary quarters.

In addition to the August 27 forum (summary not yet available), members of the campus community also gathered on May 18 (read the meeting summary). Two forums focused on gathering feedback from the College’s neighbors were held on June 25 (meeting summary) and July 29 (meeting summary).

Cypress College’s educational facilities — including the Science, Engineering, and Mathematics classrooms and labs — will be transformed during the next 20 years as a result of Measure J. In addition to the STEM disciplines, the many other projects include renovation of the Fine Arts Building, expansion of the Library/Learning Resource Center, and construction of a new Veteran’s Resource Center. Measure J passed by a supermajority (55%) of the voters in the District on November 4, 2014. The bond will provide $574 million Cypress College and the North Orange County Community College District for facility renovations on each of the District’s three campuses: Fullerton College, Cypress College and the School of Continuing Education.

Cypress College’s vision for the future of the campus is detailed in the Educational and Facilities Master Plan. Revisions to the projects and goals will be guided by our stakeholders, including students, employees, and the community.

During her Opening Day presentation to College employees, Vice President Cant shared additional detail related to Measure J planning. These include:

  • Cypress Campus Architects hired Spring 2015 – DLR Group
  • Cypress Capital Projects Manager – hiring committee formed
  • Program Management Company recommended to the Board – MAAS Company
  • Comprehensive Master Facility Plan to be updated
  • Established a Measure J Bond webpage

In addition, she also noted several projects that are underway or have recently been concluded:

  • Orchestra Pit Cover
  • Laser Leveling of Soccer Field
  • Water Conservation Project
  • Thermal Energy Project
  • Baseball Fieldhouse
  • Fire Alarm/Mass Communications Pilot Project
  • New Campus Marquee
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