By Sarah Campbell
scampbell@salisburypost.com
KANNAPOLIS -The Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Board of Trustees agreed Monday to spend an additional $435,039 on a renovation project at the South Campus in Concord.
That brings the total cost of constructing the One Stop Student Services Center on the second floor of Building 1000 to more than $1 million, up from the nearly $639,000 that was originally budgeted.
“Students will be able to access financial aid, advising, counseling, admissions, cashiering and more, all in one location,” said Chairman Chip Short. “No longer will students have to move from one building or office to the next to get these critical services.
“They can save time and get what they need in one place.”
The project will also include modifications to the lobby, circulation areas and offices as well as a restroom expansion to meet Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.
Jonathan Chamberlain, the college’s chief officer of planning, capital projects and environmental operations, told the board the latest estimates from the architectural design team indicate more square footage is needed to accommodate the flow within the building.
The additional funds will come from two sources, board finance chair Tom Bost said.
The college has $235,825 available in 2000 bond match funds from Cabarrus County and will use $200,214 from its equipment allocation from the state.
The project is slated to begin construction during summer 2013.
It’s North Campus equivalent in Salisbury is set to wrap up by the end of the year.
College officials are also hoping to have another South Campus renovation project under way by the summer.
College spokeswoman Paula Dibley said right now the student central space in the lower level of Building 3000, which also serves as a cafeteria, is cramped with limited space to study or hold events.
Chamberlain said although the project is still in the conceptual stage, the need for a better layout is a definite.
“The initial goals are to create a more flexible space to accommodate student activities, expand the seating area for students in the student center, provide improved access to the campus bookstore and enhance accessibility to the central courtyard,” he said.
Cabarrus County is providing $480,000 for the project.
Short said as the South Campus continues to grow, comprising about half of the college’s students, it’s important to make facility upgrades.
“The Board of Trustees is very pleased with the planned renovations and the improved spaces and systems that are proposed for our students,” he said.
Contact reporter Sarah Campbell at 704-797-7683.
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