Construction overview
Construction continues at GCC's main campus as we undertake major refurbishment to enhance the physical space and learning environment for our students and campus community:
- The Core (the central portion of the Main Building) will be completely reconstructed over the next two years and transformed into a lighter and brighter area. The new facility, which will add an additional 16,000 square feet to existing space, will includes the design and construction of a two-story cafeteria and community space on the first floor, as well as an expansion of the Library and a dedicated Learning Commons on the floors directly above.
- Student Service functions will be available on the first and second floors. A "One Stop" approach to meeting student needs is envisioned.
- Avenues of travel between all three wings of the Main Building will be easier to follow. There will be extensive improvements related to accessibility (ADA) and signage, as well as ADA improvements to existing bathroom facilities.
- The front of the Main Building will be redesigned with aesthetic, accessible, and functional improvements.
- Energy conservation, leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) certification, integrated building systems, and upgrades to the North Wing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and ADA/Universal Access design approaches are all integral to this project.
- Simultaneous with the design of the new Core the entire Main Building roof will be replaced.
- Through the efforts of Congressman Olver and a generous gift from an anonymous donor, we will be working on designing a brand new greenhouse which will be located contiguous to the South Wing. Plans call for this facility to be functional by fall of 2009. The latest and newest in energy savings techniques, materials, and the like, should be an integral part of this construction effort.
For more information about on-going construction, please contact Richard A. Hillier, Dean of Administrative Services, 775-1308 or hillier@gcc.mass.edu.