Thursday, May 31, 2012

Making Solid Changes: Countdown to Conversions at MSC

By: Tony Grandlienard
--DAY 344--

Bob Dylan once said, "Times, they are a-changin'." 

As we approach June, we near the one-year mark since we first began construction and my, how things really have changed. 
 
Front of Building A
I won't waste your time, nothing has changed in Building B. However, the same cannot be said about the old building, unofficially titled Building A (don't get the two mixed up). As a reminder Building A is the original building on the east side of campus. Building B is the brand new building on the west side. 

The Current - A.K.A. Building A
The first thing you'll notice while driving by is how similar the Building A resembles Building B. Both buildings are concrete with symmetrical windows and are relatively the same shape. The building's outside appearance has dramatically improved. From Buckeye, you can see that all the walls are up and the windows are near ready for installation. But the interior of Building A is even more impressive. All the drywall is up while Jokake Construction crews are installing insulation, flooring, and paint. They will continue to work on the structure of the classrooms and follow up with electric work and the finishing of ventilation. 

Fresh paint in Building A gives life to the new hallway
Light shines through a new classroom in Building A
New cosmetology stations

Program Updates
Meat Cutting: Finally, after nearly a year of construction the last program moved out of their space in preparation for construction. However, this renovation period comes at a cost. Since there is no swing space for meat cutting to move to, they are forced to temporarily shut down their program until construction is complete. Because the program requires a cold environment and special equipment, there was no opportunity to continue somewhere else on campus. Completion of the new meat cutting department should be completed by August. 

R.I.P. old meat cutting classroom
Let's Get Creative
I'm just as tired of hearing the name Building A and Building B as you are. Where's the creativity? Couldn't we come up with a better name? Well yes, we are, and we want your help. Give us your best ideas on naming the buildings by posting on our Facebook wall! We will consider all ideas. Remember, this is your campus, you pay for your education, you should have a say.

For all news, contests, photos on MSC and Maricopa Community Colleges follow us on Twitter, and Google+. For more information visit us online at www.maricopaskillcenter.com or call 602.238.4300.

Thanks for reading. Have a great day and stay hydrated! 

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Making Solid Changes: Countdown to Conversions at MSC

By: Tony Grandlienard
--DAY 323--

"The road to success is always under construction." - Lily Tomlin.

A look at east and west sides of the new building.

Tomlin shares the same goals as MSC, as we continue to work toward success and development. Over the past month there have not been too many visible construction changes to either building, but MSC still has its fair share of updates on our road to success.

The Current
Remember when you were in class and had to go to the bathroom really bad? Remember dreading that long walk/sprint to the other side of campus because there is only one bathroom in each building? 

Well, that pain is over. MSC has opened its newest restroom in the middle of Building A, next to Meat Cutting. We will no longer have to feel like a racehorse, Seabiscuiting our way down the hallways. We figured this should make life a little nicer, and I'm sure your bladder will appreciate the good news also. 

New bathrooms

In addition to our glorified new restroom, there have been other updates as well. Our giant vacant opening on the north side of the building is beginning to close. Brick by brick, half of the front entrance of Building A progresses. Inside, Jokake Construction is still in the process of installing metal framing, drywall, electric work, ventilation, and insulation. Heading to the south side of Building A, two programs have moved - Cosmetology/Aesthetican and Auto Body.


Building B(eautiful)
The only update in Building B is the installation of shading. The steel framing that surrounds the building allows the sun to shine right through. Jokake Construction crews are now installing metal panels underneath to barricade sunshine. Since summer is knocking on the door, staying cool is crucial, and these panels will provide plenty of shade.

Before and after the shading panels

For all news, contests, photos on MSC and Maricopa Community Colleges follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. For more information visit us online at www.maricopaskillcenter.com or call 602.238.4300.

Thanks for reading, have a great day!