More than a dozen features and upgrades are planned for the campus mall, some which may provide a better opportunity to enjoy the scenery in between classes.
The campus mall, the main walkway stretching from the Freudian Sip to Parking Lot 7 near the Mason Street entrance, will boast a multitude of additions intended to complement the grand opening of several new buildings currently in development.
Along with new cement for the pathway and beautiful new landscaping, the mall will feature a new fountain, comfortable benches and a large statue of the school’s mascot, the brahma bull.
“The new mall will be a central corridor to allow pedestrian traffic to move freely and comfortably,” said Larry Kraus, associate vice president of administrative services.
Renovations made to the mall are part of Pierce’s $272.5 million modernization plan, funded by the $2.2 billion Proposition A/AA Bond Construction Program passed in 2001 and 2004, to be allocated to each of the Los Angeles Community College District’s nine colleges. One of the most important additions will be a more accessible connection with the MTA Orange Line Busway.
“I’ve always thought there could be a simpler link to the Orange Line,” said Paul Nieman, director of plant facilities. “The pathway from the Orange Line station near the Winnetka entrance will be much improved.”
The mall will also be extended in length, as its southwest end near the Freudian Sip is expected to now reach Brahma Drive.
A large, circular drop-off area is to be developed near the Sip for cars to conveniently drop off students.
“We hope that these additions will suggest a very welcoming feeling,” said Nieman.
Though the renovations are far away from completion, some students are already anticipating them.
“All these new things sound really cool,” said student Daniel Estay, who is a club member of Pierce Christians United. “I think eventually students could benefit from a new student lounge too.”
Included in the multimillion dollar modernization efforts are a new mission-style Student Services building and a 100,000 square foot Center for the Sciences.
As part of the same project, the mathematics, social sciences, English and several other buildings will be significantly refurbished.
Construction will begin on the campus mall after the selected buildings have been remodeled and the resources in the life sciences building have been transferred to the Center for the Sciences.
When construction begins, the mall will still be accessible to students and faculty during the process.
“The mall will still be accessible to everyone,” said Nieman. “Parts of it may be closed off but everyone will able to get to where they’re going.”
Students and faculty can expect the mall to be completely renovated by Spring 2010.
The Campus Mall will soon be getting a facelift, complete with a new walkway, comfortable seating and a statue. ()