Long awaited Multi-use building open for student use

By Alyssa Laurel
The Guardsman

After nearly two years of construction, the new Multi-Use Building on Ocean campus is open, but delays in other construction projects have stalled the completion of its exterior.

Construction of the building was supposed to be complete by mid-July, said David Liggett, director of facilities planning and construction.

Much of the work on the east and north sides of the Multi-Use Building is temporary and will be redone when construction of the Performing Arts Center is complete. At that time, permanent landscaping, trees, and furnishings will be added.

Liggett said that the new Performing Arts Center was supposed to have broken ground last year, but the state failed to pass the necessary construction bond in 2008. The district had to wait for state funding to start construction.

“The building is substantially complete,” said Liggett.

Despite the unfinished exterior, the building is in use and is not disrupting ongoing courses.

Remaining parking lot lights should be installed next week, and the construction fencing will also come down at that time.

“The fencing is the only thing that’s kind of inconvenient,” said Lisa Smith, a sophomore at City College.  “It’s just in the way. Nothing else about the building is really disruptive.”

“I think the work, including all the contractors punch-list work, should be done by the end of September. In checking with occupants on the first day of classes we have identified few problems. The facilities [office] is working with the contractor to fix these issues as soon as possible.” said Liggett.

The building, which  will house childhood development, teacher preparation and health education programs, is part of a 10- to 15-year construction plan for City College.