Construction transforms campus

Steel frames, dirt piles and hard hats are as ubiquitous on the Citrus College campus as students and backpacks.

Ever since March 2004 when local residents and taxpayers voted in favor of the Measure G, a $121 million facilities bond, construction of new buildings and remodels of existing structures has been underway.

The most recent project is the remodel of the campus gym. A pre-construction meeting is scheduled for today, Dec. 9, with actual construction to begin Dec. 21.

The gym remodel will include new locker areas, team rooms and a training room.
During spring break 2010, upgrades will be made to the plumbing, ceilings, flooring, air conditioning, and lighting of the gym.

The Vocational Technology Building, located on the northeast corner of Barranca Avenue, is one of the newest additions to the campus. It features a state-of-the-art automobile training center, four classrooms, staff offices, showers, lockers, and transmission, engine and vehicle dynamometer rooms.

Plans for 23 auto-repair bays with lifts are underway and the bays are scheduled to be complete by spring 2010.

One of the most prominent projects under construction is the Student Services Building.

Clearly visible from Citrus Avenue, this new facility will house the Student Health Center, financial aid, counseling, job placement and the Career/Transfer Center. It will also house Admissions and Records, EOPS, Disabled Students Center, service learning, Testing Center and international students.

It will feature a bookstore, cyber café, office space, meeting rooms, conference rooms, lounges, restrooms, and storage. This building is expected to be finished by spring 2011. It is said it will be the heart and soul of student life at Citrus College.

Construction on a new security building is underway, with dirt already being put in place. This $1 million project is getting done under budget estimates and is set to be ready by late March or early April 2010.

The remodeling of the Administration Building is in the design/development stage, project manager Bob Bradshaw said.

The elevators are the focus of one of the main upgrades in the Administration Building. Although they are handicap accessible, the elevators give little to no room for a person in a wheelchair to maneuver.

The entrance to the Administration Building will no longer be located in the center of the building, but rather on the east end. The second floor will include the presidential suite and stairs in the building will be remodeled as well.

The cost of the entire project, including construction and planning, is estimated to be $5.5 million, with the completion date yet to be determined.

Another project, the Field House, was completed in September 2009—called "one of the most outstanding buildings on campus" by Oversight Committee chair Mark Ferrari—the recently dedicated building features home and visitor locker rooms, showers and restrooms, a conference room, and 11 offices and classrooms.

Carol Horton, vice president of finance and administrative services, said the Field House "looks absolutely remarkable, especially when the lights from the football stadium are reflecting off the building."

Students will have a lot to look forward to come the spring semester in 2010.