March 2020 update
During March, our team faced the challenges brought by COVID-19, which impacted our communities, global health, and team dynamics. Pressed by this humbling experience, the team used its creativity, flexibility, and commitment to this project to develop new ways of conducting its business. This allowed us to progress and move the project forward. We appreciate the patience and support of our stakeholders and the access to technology and tools that allow us to keep working.
Summary
Stakeholders for the different elements of this project have engaged and will continue to engage with the design team. The face-to-face focus groups and meetings are now being held virtually online. These stakeholders continue to inform the design.
As currently scheduled, the design for the HT building will be completed in December 2020. This past month we made progress on elements of the layout and operational needs for the parking lot 12 (P12) Temporary Modular Units as well as the initial design for swing space on campus. In early March three student focus groups met with the design team to comment on approaches to all-user restrooms, locker rooms, and pool access.
We planned to host an update meeting for the Sylvania community in April. This opportunity has been delayed. Once a new date is set, we will share an invitation for this web-based presentation/conversation via this same list serve. Our team is invested in keeping you all informed about the progress of this project and answering your questions.
Temporary Modular Units (TMUs)
During March, stakeholder groups continued to help the design team and P&CC advance the design development of the TMUs. This input involved space layouts, furniture, and educational technology requirements. In addition, the TMUs involve plans for signage, paths of travel, evacuation routes, and safety assembly areas. The TMUs will house various programs offices and classrooms, while the HT renovation is under construction. These units’ name is being considered and would likely change from TMUs.
As required for permitting, we also reached out to the nearby neighborhood associations and let them know about the plans for these temporary improvements.
Swing space
The design team concentrated its efforts on developing plans for swing spaces for Nursing and Biology offices and teaching labs. The Nursing skills lab and offices will be moved out of the HT building temporarily and remain at Sylvania Campus, while the simulation lab will be housed temporarily at the Cascade Campus. In contrast, Biology will move permanently to the Science and Technology (ST) Building.
Through a series of structural evaluations and programmatic considerations, the HT Gymnasium proved to be a good temporary home for the existing gym equipment and uses of rooms HT02 and HT08. Physical Education & Dance, Exercise Science, and Community Education showed their willingness to make this space work during the construction of the HT building. Please note that scheduling for the use of the gym is being developed.
HT building
During March, the focus of work has been on the distribution of the programs inside the renovated area and balancing these spaces with the improved student gathering and study areas. Primary design goals include improving accessibility and connectivity to campus, solving wayfinding challenges presented by such a large space, as well as the quantity and diversity of programs housed inside the building.
The Medical Imaging program will be permanently relocated to the HT building basement. The project team is heavily engaged with this program in particular because their space needs to be functional by the time construction starts on the east side of the building, slated for spring 2021.