Measure E funds put to use as Gavilan College begins $108
million facelift
The first month of an 8-year improvement project got underway at
Gavilan Community College’s main Gilroy campus last week. Trustees
and Assemblyman John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) celebrated with a
groundbreaking ceremony Sept. 12.
Measure E funds put to use as Gavilan College begins $108 million facelift
The first month of an 8-year improvement project got underway at Gavilan Community College’s main Gilroy campus last week. Trustees and Assemblyman John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony Sept. 12.
Gavilan unveiled a timeline for the upcoming projects that will enhance the 35-year-old campus.
With funds from a $108 million bond measure passed in March 2004, nearly every building on campus will be upgraded.
Measure E approved more than $68.5 million to improve facilities for current students and $39.6 million to meet the needs of future generations. The latter funds have been used to acquire land for full-size campuses in Coyote Valley and San Benito County. The money also will pay for a university center at the Gilroy site.
Students, staff and faculty may have already noticed the signs of construction on their campus. Safety fencing has been put up around project areas.
The first construction project on the main campus includes improvements to the boiler rooms of the Business Building, the Physics Building and the locker rooms. Phase I infrastructure upgrades also began. Underground electrical systems and gas piping will be installed along the central campus walkway near the Cosmetology, Business and Social Sciences building. As the project progresses, portables will be used as departments are displaced by the construction.
In addition to renovating existing buildings, the bond funds will help the college meet several other goals for improving the campus. At least $2.5 million will be used to meet current legal standards for disabled access. The improvements include expanded doorways, ramps and other upgrades to make classrooms accessible to all students.
More parking lots will be added since lots are often at capacity during peak hours. The infrastructure improvements include additional lighting and security features that will make the campus safer during evening hours.
