Measure E Bond Projects Under Way

 If you've heard a lot of noise and felt the ground beneath you shaking on campus this week, it's because projects funded by the voter-approved, $326 million Measure E Bond are underway this month.

The East Campus parking Lot 108, next to the Journalism and Electronics building, has been fenced off to begin preparations for Pirates' Village--a group of portable classrooms where many classes will be temporarily held until the completion of the Founders Hall Modernization project. Other classes will be heading over to West campus until the project is complete.

According to the MJC Measure E Bond website, the modernization of Founders Hall is currently under the review of the Division of the State Architect. It is anticipated that construction will begin this fall, and be completed in August of next year.

Originally constructed 39 years ago, the two-story Founders Hall building has antiquated classrooms and has been in need of revamping. Among the main concerns to be addressed in the modernization: utilizing space better, and replacing the lighting and ventilation in the building. Extra space will become available when the High Tech Center—part of the science building renovation project—is constructed.

Last Wednesday, the ground was broken for the new Student Services building was held. The purpose of the new Student Services building is to consolidate into one convenient and central location a number of student services including disability services, financial aid, records and admissions. Construction on the 23, 950 square foot building is scheduled to begin in late April or early May, and completed in September 2011. The first floor of the Morris Administration building is also due to be renovated. 

 On West Campus, the colossal multiuse Agriculture Educational Event Center pavilion is in the process of being constructed. Mark Anglin, chair of the Measure E Bond Agriculture Project workgroup, said that the metal framework for the pavilion will soon be erected and that the project is scheduled to be completed by December 26 of this year. 

"It will not be long until the metal shell of the building will be visible and the true magnitude of the project realized," he said.

New Ag animal units are also in the process of being constructed and are nearly complete. One facility is for beef and dairy cows, the other will be for the sheep and will include a lambing area. "It appears that we are still on track for a July 1, 2010 completion of both facilities," said Anglin.

Improvements for the Athletics Division are also under way on West Campus. The MJC softball team will no longer have to share a field with the football team. A brand new softball complex—complete with a concession stand, a batting cage, bleachers and bathrooms—is in the works. The field itself is nearly complete.

Also on the West Campus, the foundations have been laid for the 36,500 square foot Allied Health building being constructed. It is due to open in July of 2011. The state-of-the art facility will provide room for expansion for the Nursing Program and other Allied Health programs.

While the ongoing construction will, no doubt, cause inconveniences, voters will soon be able to see the tangible results of their involvement in the election results.