Monday, July 18, 2011

Making Solid Changes: the countdown to conversions at MSC

By Mia D. Parrett

--DAY TWENTY-SIX--

What’s happening now?

Above It All

If you’ve been on campus recently, you might notice that there’s something missing above you- the ceiling! For a few weeks now, the ceiling inside of our building has been stripped only revealing the building’s skeleton to look at, which includes pipes, wires and some insulation all hanging loosely. Why is this happening?
The ceiling has been removed from the halls of MSC in order to access all of the piping for the water systems and main electric lines. Since there will be new areas needing electricity, the main lines will have to be rewired to those areas. There is a new air conditioning system that will be circulating throughout the renovated building as well as the new building, so the air conditioning pipes will not be removed until the end of reconstruction in order to successfully reroute the new air conditioning system. Expected timeline? The ceiling is set to be back up and put together in approximately one year when the construction is nearly finished. The end result: a new enhanced air conditioning system, a new higher quality underground plumbing network, and a sturdy, modernized ceiling.
Underneath It All
Progress is being made in other areas as well, such as in the space where the IKON Copy Center used to be located. Currently the Jokake construction team is working to install the underground plumbing system that will run throughout the new rooms, as well as create the framing of the walls this week. The space will be used for potential new program areas.
It is scheduled that the cafeteria will be expecting the arrival of new underground plumbing, which will accompany the future Travel classroom.
Last but not least, in the West Parking lot, the foundation of the area that will be in the new building was poured last week, and construction is scheduled to start the underground plumbing there this week.
What’s next?
With the scheduled underground work in the coming weeks, the Jokake construction team will have their hands full. Phase one of construction which includes the ceiling, future construction trades and future travel classroom is in full swing and will continue through October. Stay tuned for the latest information on MSC’s construction progress!

Friday, July 8, 2011

Attend our Campus Public Tours!

Every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m. we invite you to explore our campus with us on a guided tour. No appointments necessary!

Tours are a great way to learn about the Skill Center programs and to get an idea of what it's like to be an MSC student. You'll be able to meet with instructors and have all your questions personally answered. After the tour, our Student Services staff will help you begin the enrollment process if you're ready to start training for a new career.

If you have any questions or need special accommodations, please call us at 602-248-4301.

Making Solid Changes: the countdown to big conversions at MSC

By Mia D. Parrett

--DAY SIXTEEN--
MSC is Growing!
Due to the constantly evolving workforce, student population, and job skill requirements, MSC has decided to create a new 20,000 sq. ft. facility to accommodate the needs of students and instructors. In addition, renovations to the existing building will take place. Coming to the new building will be state-of-the-art green technology classrooms, expandable meeting space for our community partners and modern inspired design features to emphasize our style as a modern, technologically-savvy place where students will receive skills needed to succeed in the future.
The Groundbreaking
On June 22, 2011, the official Groundbreaking Ceremony was a jumpstart for the construction process to begin. The much celebrated occasion was alive with music from local radio stations, as well as the presence of a few esteemed members of the community who provided insight and knowledge as well, such as Sue Kater, Executive Director of Maricopa Skill Center and Dr. Giovannini, President of Gateway Community Colleges.
After a successful groundbreaking ceremony, MSC is well on its way towards a fresh new building and campus reconstruction. Stay tuned here for the latest on what’s happening as we count down the days of the remodel, and take one step closer each day towards seeing our new campus.
What’s happening now?
From July 2011 until October 2011, the first phase of renovation will take place in the areas of the Cafeteria, IKON, Staff Lounge, and YouthBuild. As of July 1, the West Parking Lot has been closed indefinitely.
Be aware of construction tape, cones and other signs of warning to make sure that you do not enter an area that is being worked on!
Due to the Cafeteria being closed, these local eateries in the neighborhood are giving ten percent discounts to students through July!
· Samurai Sam’s
· Blimpie
· Frullati CafĂ© and Bakery
Keep in touch!
This blog will be your connection to the renovations at MSC, and will keep you updated and informed every two weeks about the progress we’ve made. Thank you for your patience while we make the transition into a bigger, better and stronger community!