EVERETT — Construction crews are expected to begin work in June on a 5,600-square-foot expansion of the Parks Student Union Building on the Everett Community College campus.
Also planned are an expansion and renovation of the college cafeteria and the Russell Day Gallery.
Cost for the work was initially estimated at $4.5 million, but college officials hope it will be less, given the current competitive bidding market in a struggling economy.
“This project is going to definitely change the heart of the campus,” said Patrick Sisneros, EvCC vice president of college services.
It will bring more natural light into the Parks Building and terraced seating outside for warmer weather.
About 60 percent of the money for the work comes from the college, including proceeds from a land swap between EvCC and Providence Regional Medical Center Everett.
The other 40 percent is from student fees the EvCC student body approved in 2007 for campus improvements.
Student fees also are helping pay for a new $11 million fitness center now under construction. It is expected to open in the spring.
The Parks addition will relocate and expand the art gallery in part of the existing cafeteria space. The project will take about nine to 10 months to complete. The new cafe and gallery are scheduled to open early spring 2011.
To shorten the time frame, the existing cafeteria space will be closed during the construction period.
“We are currently exploring alternatives to relocate food services during this closure,” Sisneros said.
Sisneros said more details about the alternatives will be available by the end of March.
College employees and students from the student government have been working on the design for the new cafe, which is being modeled after one at Highline Community College.
Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446, stevick@heraldnet.com.
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