Benjamin Rizzo
Part II of a Series
Years of planning and dedication are taking shape at Pierce College, as the new Student Services building has begun its transformation from conceptually-designed paper drawing to classically-stuccoed concrete icon.
Located at the south end of the campus mall, the 49,775-square-foot, three-story building will house the offices of admissions and records, financial aid, counseling, the career transfer center, the student health center, EOP&S, international students, high school outreach and special services.
“Previously, student services have been spotted around campus,” said Pierce President Robert Garber. “The idea is to consolidate these into a location where students can go, from first contact, through all of their activities.” Garber called the building a “one-stop student service center.”
Consistent with the ever-present Mediterranean mission-style architecture at Pierce, the building will be constructed in a U-shape, with an interior courtyard surrounded by palm trees.
“The idea is to take advantage of the exterior and have it resonate with some of the classic architecture on our campus,” said Garber.
Situated just inside the Winnetka Avenue entrance, the sheer height of the building will provide a dominating presence within the campus’ landscape.
“This building will be the first people see when driving onto the campus,” said Garber. He also said the new building allows students to “identify where they are and where they are going.”
At a cost of $15.8 million, the building is fully funded by Proposition A/AA.
The project, as are all new developments on campus, is overseen by Swinerton Management & Consulting, with Campus Project Manager David Tsao directing all efforts.
“Student Services is almost like a landmark building,” said Tsao. “It is very nicely designed with all the latest technologies.”
According to Tsao, one of the design requirements of the building is that it must be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certified. LEED is a ratings system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to ensure sustainable development practices in the areas of site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
In fact, according to Garber, some of the materials slated for use on the new building are recycled materials from the old bungalows torn down on campus.
Mona Altounji, senior office assistant at EOP&S, remembers those bungalows well.
An eight-year assistant at EOP&S, Altounji was asked if she missed anything from her time spent in the bungalows.
“Absolutely not,” said Altounji, who said she looks forward to having a “regular” lobby with a welcoming center. “Everyone will have their own space.”
According to Tsao, transfer of the various offices into the building is anticipated to begin in August 2009.
More and more developments are seen around campus each day, as Pierce takes on its new face.
“It’s the culmination of a long process resulting in significant construction,” said Garber, who wants to “celebrate the fact that progress is at hand.”
Construction continues on the site of the future Students Services Building, which is across from the Freudian Sip Cafe. ()