Voters to be Asked to Fund New UCC Facility

By Isaac Graham · The Mainstream
Published October 19, 2011

In this place, cutting edge technology will be the norm; exquisite views from third story balconies will be hard to ignore; students can work together in comfortable, trendy environments; and the future will sneak out of its cozy hide to visit the realm of today.

However, the construction of this facility, the Allied Health and Science Building, is contingent upon the UCC bond measure which will go to vote in May of 2012. 

This building will boast over 50,000 gross square feet, trendy indoor landscaping, comfortable social areas and unique natural lighting, and it could be here as early as 2013.

The facility’s new classrooms will be technologically advanced and much larger; several classrooms will seat over 40 students including at least one with over 70 seats.

The building is meant to assist a growing nursing program. "We need to update our facilities and technology in order to keep up with a field that is changing almost on a daily basis," says nursing instructor Donna Wellington. 

In addition to the facility’s educational advantages, it is also designed to create a positive social environment.  "Social amenities and breakout areas occur on every level," says senior designer Jim Kalvelage of OPSIS, the Portland architectural firm which designed the building.  Kalvelage imagines students wanting to "get to class a little early" because they enjoy spending time in the building. 

The design of the structure follows Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design specifications.  These LEED specifications include high efficiency fixtures, direct digital controls, use of local products and air quality maintenance. 

This is just one of several structures that will be constructed or repurposed if the bond is to be passed.

If passed, the $40 million bond levy will be paid by property owners over the next 25 years at a rate of approximately $0.33 per $1,000 of assessed property value.  UCC hopes to invest as much of this funding back into Douglas County as possible.  “We are ‘community’ college, and that’s our goal; to help our community.” says Jess Miller, UCC director of maintenance. 

For more information on the Bond Measure, contact the UCC Foundation at 541-440-7678.