This content was published: November 25, 2015. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Bond work is on schedule at Cascade’s Library and Student Services Building
Photos and story by Katherine Miller
Extensive remodeling of the Library at PCC Cascade – a major part of the second phase of the voter-approved bond work at the campus – is 40 percent complete and projected to be finished by summer term.
The project includes replacing the outdated Student Center building adjacent to the Library with a new plaza, which will complement the plaza that was built between the new Student Union and Cascade Hall and extend the campus mall from North Mississippi to Commercial avenues.
Hoffman Construction reported that it recycled 2,300 tons of material from the Student Center demolition, about 10 times the amount that went to waste.
Derrick Beneville, Hoffman’s project manager, said that thus far the remodeling work has gone smoothly. Structural steel is done, and the “skin” – including façade and windows – is expected to be weather-tight by the end of November.
“Then we have to finish the framing and overall remodel of the existing library,” he said, “so we still have quite a bit of work to do, including all the site work – like the landscaping and the plaza area.”
The improvements – designed by THA Architecture – will include new bathrooms on both floors, a new computer classroom on the second floor, and a balcony overlooking the new common space below. The entry is being refined and moved to the north side of the building.
New reference and circulation desks are being added, as well as a new computer bar and study space. New lighting will be installed, along with acoustical treatments to help quiet the study space.
During construction, students are using a temporary library in Terrell Hall.
Beneville said that over at Cascade’s Student Services Building (SSB), Phase II improvements are also on schedule and will be done before Christmas. “We have to build a brand new vestibule in front. That’s the last piece,” he said.
The work is being done by Pacificmark Construction, which also built the campus’ new Student Union.
“We had such a great relationship with them on Phase I, we decided to continue to work with them as our partner on SSB,” said Beneville. “A big part of that was remodeling the first and second floors. They did over $1.8 million worth of work in two months. It was unbelievable. With our help to take them to the finish line, we were able to turn SSB over (to the college) before the fall term.”
PCC’s 2008 voter-approved $374 million bond program is increasing opportunities for residents to access quality, affordable higher education close to where they live and work. Additional classrooms, updated equipment and technology, and advanced workforce training programs are helping to pave the way for future employment options. For more information, visit the bond website.