The goal of the project was to create a highly visible community college campus, located in a commercial setting, with a relatively tight construction budget.

The original campus building was a pre-engineered metal structure sitting in a hollow, set back from a major arterial street. Visibility within the community was obscure.

The campus has grown with the addition of a two-story structure and an annex building that, together, form a gateway for the complex. The original metal building was screened with a new glass block wall forming a back-lit, secure, and welcoming entrance from the parking lot.

The use of glass block provides an economical solution to “hide” the metal building, which will be replaced in the future by a two-story brick structure. The use of glass block at the street provides an important sign to the community that the building is open to the public for education, while keeping street traffic from disturbing classes.

Brick masonry was utilized for its economy of construction, durability, and design flexibility. The architectural team enjoyed the opportunity to create distinctive patterns that enliven the building and give it an unforgettable image. It provides a warm, inviting, and distinctive ambience for the campus.

The construction costs for the 26,000 square foot addition were $70 per square foot. The 9,000 square foot annex building cost approximately $100 per square foot.