What is the rumor about new student housing in Lemoore and Coalinga?
There is truth to your inquiry. For the past several months, we have been in discussion with potential financing and management partners about constructing new student housing in Lemoore and a major reconstruction of the existing facilities in Coalinga. Nothing has been agreed to, and in fact we will be discussing this possibility with the board at their April 10th retreat.
How are building projects moving along at both colleges?
The facilities committees of both colleges have been busy working with our district architect, Chris Addington, to put the finishing touches on the design and functional elements of the projects on each college.
As you recall, even though we did not pass our bond, the Chancellor’s office allowed us to keep our projects on the funding list if we were able to come up with our district match. To date we have been able to identify 75 percent of the match needed to complete these projects.
Two major projects are planned for Coalinga-- the renovation of the gymnasium and locker room and office complex into what is called a Wellness Center. The plans look great. They will be available for everyone to view on our web site May 1st. In addition to this project we are moving along with the ag facility on the new farm. The first rodeo in our new arena was held at the end of March.
At Lemoore, we are proceeding with the multi-use complex. This facility will be one of the largest arenas in Kings County. It will be capable of holding trade shows, graduations, concerts, basketball games, wrestling tournaments and much more. President Warkentin and I have had excellent dialogue with the City of Lemoore to become a partner with us in this project.
For the next three years there will be a significant amount of building going on at our colleges.