After ten years of near constant renovation Pierce College is still under construction. Formed in 1973, this community college merely consisted of the Cascade Building and what is known today as the Health Education Center (HEC). With many additions built since then, Pierce may be nearing the end of its’ expansion.
Major changes can be seen around campus from its presence in 2001 as much of the construction has been done since then. During this time, explained Jim Taylor, director of facilities and construction manager, “we have constructed the Olympic North Building, added a third floor to the Olympic South Building and renovated and expanded the HEC.”
This team has also constructed the Milgard Child Development Center and the Rainier Building in the past few years. However, this long spree of renovations will be finished in the near future as Pierce receives its final touches. Many of the sections under construction will be completed and open to student use before commencement of the next school year.
Although the end is in sight, students must still be cautious of construction areas through winter and spring quarters.
“Students can expect to see construction walls blocking off sections of the [Cascade] building on levels 3 and 4,” Taylor said. “Contractors will also still be working in some classrooms and offices on level 5.”
With halls and classrooms under renovation for the next few months, students are asked to be patient and respectful, as some of their routes may change and classrooms may be relocated. However, there should be no impedance of student academics as the last repairs are made.
“We should have all construction completed and all areas open for use prior to the beginning of classes for fall quarter 2012,” Taylor said.
Around this time another addition to the Pierce College campus will be nearing its completion: the Science Dome. Construction for the new planetarium will take place over winter quarter, Taylor explained, and will be ready for student use by fall, 2012.