College Celebrates Completion of Bond Modernization Projects
KENTFIELD, CA—This Thursday, College of Marin will hold a celebration to commemorate completion of the final building project funded by Measure C—the Academic Center. The Capstone Celebration will recognize the many individuals whose work has contributed to a physical transformation of the campuses. It will also serve as an opportunity for the College to extend its appreciation to Marin County voters for their overwhelming support of the Measure C Modernization Bond passed in 2004.
Looking back over what was covered in the scope of the bond, much has been accomplished since the College began work on the first bond projects. Work on the Main Building at the Indian Valley Campus started in 2006 and modernization of the Physical Education Center at the Kentfield Campus began in 2008. Since then, a total of eight major modernization projects have been completed at both campuses.
Joining a host of Marin County and regional leaders, the College also expects former members of the Board of Trustees and administration to be in attendance, along with members of the community that have watched and been part of the transformation.
“We are proud of the collaborative process we undertook,” said Director of Modernization Laura McCarty. “For the new Academic Center, the community was engaged to select the architect, participate in the design process, and develop a construction access plan. People felt good about the process. Construction impacts were reduced to a minimum and costs savings achieved through more efficient scheduling. The result is a building of beautiful, timeless design.”
In 2010, completion of the Transportation Technology Complex and Main Building at the Indian Valley Campus provided students in career and technical education courses access to state-of-the-art facilities. Students in programs such as automotive collision repair technology and dental assisting spend class time in an environment similar to what they can expect once they are employed in the field.
At the Kentfield Campus, six projects have been completed under Measure C, including the Diamond Physical Education Center; Fine Arts Building, Performing Arts Building; Child Study Center; Science, Math, Nursing Building; and Academic Center. All modernization projects have made 21st century technology available to COM’s faculty and students while keeping sustainability a priority.
Important facilities infrastructure work, such as the addition of solar panels and geothermal heat pumps, has also been completed at both campuses. These improvements provide the College with cost-effective renewable energy sources.
The College Board of Trustees and administration have remained committed to innovative and sustainable building practices throughout the modernization process. In 2013, the student labs in the Science Math Nursing Building earned top honors from the national trade publication American School and University for incorporating the highest possible environmentally sustainable practices into their design.
In terms of green building leadership, LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a certification program that recognizes sustainable building strategies and practices. Projects receiving LEED® Gold certification include the Diamond Physical Education Center; the Science, Math, Nursing Building; and the Fine and Performing Arts projects at the Kentfield Campus; as well as the Main Building at IVC. The Transportation Technology Complex at IVC achieved LEED® Silver certification. Gold status is pending for the new Academic Center.
“Since the bond passed in 2004 we have made great progress toward realizing the promise we made to our community to build a safer, ‘greener’, modernized College of Marin,” said Superintendent/President David Wain Coon. “It is a commitment we intend to keep and expand upon moving forward.”
Measure C Capstone Celebration and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Thursday, September 24, 2015
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Academic Center Courtyard
Kentfield Campus
RSVP required