Campus Tours Highlight Measure C Bond Modernization Projects
KENTFIELD, CA — College of Marin will hold an open house at the newly constructed Academic Center on the Kentfield Campus Saturday, August 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors will be able to tour the 43,000 square foot building that houses 16 general-purpose classrooms, three computer labs, a 100-seat multi-purpose room, and faculty and staff offices. Designed by Mark Cavagnero Associates and TLCD Architecture, the building provides a welcoming entrance to the campus.
During the open house, student ambassadors will offer campus tours that highlight other projects completed under Measure C, and a barbecue lunch will be served in the Academic Center courtyard. COM’s Alumni Association will have the archive room open for visitors interested in learning more about the history of the College. Located across from the archive room is the recently opened William Keith Room where Keith’s California landscape paintings are on display.
The Academic Center is the final building project funded by Measure C; a $249.5 million modernization bond passed in 2004 with overwhelming support of Marin County voters. The complete scope of the bond included the Diamond Physical Education Center, Performing Arts Building, Science Math Nursing Building, Fine Arts Building, and Child Study Center at the Kentfield Campus; and Transportation Technology Complex and Main Building at the Indian Valley Campus (IVC). At both campuses, facilities infrastructure work such as the addition of solar panels and geothermal heat pumps provide the College with a cost-effective renewable energy sources.
"Our major projects have exceeded the Measure C ‘green’ building goals and have significantly increased the native plant landscapes on both campuses,” said Director of Modernization Laura McCarty. Projects receiving LEED® Gold certification include the Diamond Physical Education Center; the Science, Math, Nursing Building, the Fine Arts Building, and the Performing Arts Building 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.
Those passing by the corner of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and College Avenue may notice that the grounds surrounding the new building are covered with wood chips rather than planted with shrubs and trees as depicted in architectural renderings. Following Governor Jerry Brown’s executive order imposing mandatory water restrictions, College officials made the decision to hold off on planting to reduce water consumption. Drought-resistant landscaping will be added by mid-October.
A Measure C capstone celebration and Academic Center ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for September 24, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. All are invited to attend
“The celebration will recognize all those involved in the work resulting in a physical transformation of our campuses. It will also serve as an opportunity to extend our great appreciation to Marin County taxpayers for their support of Measure C,” said Superintendent/President Dr. David Wain Coon.
Academic Center Open House
Saturday, August 8, 2015
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
835 College Avenue
Kentfield, CA 94904
BBQ lunch will be served; all are invited to attend