This content was published: July 24, 2015. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Demolition begins on Cascade’s old Student Center
Photos and story by Katherine Miller
Starting July 29, the exterior walls of Student Center will come down – although not with a wrecking ball.
The walls at PCC Cascade’s old Student Center are set to come tumbling down next week, part of the college’s plan to remove the outdated building, replace it with a new plaza, and give the adjacent Library an addition and remodel.
As part of this second phase of work funded by the 2008 voter-approved bond measure, a wall on the west side of the building has been opened to allow access for equipment inside. Next begins a strategic demolition of interior walls in preparation for taking down the entire building on July 29.
But according to Rebecca Ocken, project manager for Cascade, anyone expecting the thrill of a wrecking ball or dynamite is likely to be disappointed. The building’s exterior walls will be carefully pushed in with heavy equipment.
In keeping with PCC’s commitment to sustainability, the materials removed from the building will be separated and recycled to the extent possible. Watch the time-lapse video of Cascade’s Library and Student Services construction project.
Meanwhile, renovation work on the first and second floors of the Student Services Building (SSB) remains on schedule, said Ocken.
“We’ll be bringing in the Answer Center concept to the lobby space and updating office spaces for counseling, advising, career services, financial aid, student accounts and enrollment,” she said.
“On the second floor we are replacing the last classroom in the building with the Orientation Center. This move allows the Testing Center to expand with three new distraction-free testing rooms Community Education will get a new larger location in the building as well.”
PCC’S?2008 voter-approved?$374 million bond program is increasing opportunities for residents to access quality, affordable higher education close to where they live and work. Additional classrooms, updated equipment and technology, and advanced workforce training programs are helping?to pave the way for future employment options. For more information, visit the bond website.