CTC cuts ribbon, dedicates renovated computer science, academic buildings

By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press

Central Texas College held a ribbon cutting and re-dedication ceremony on Wednesday morning for two recently renovated buildings at the Killeen campus. Representatives from the college’s board of trustees, along with representatives of the Copperas Cove, Killeen and Harker Heights chambers of commerce were present for the brief ceremony. Afterward, Dean Janice Anderson gave tours of the two buildings, Building 121, used for Computer Science, and Building 104, the Academic Building. The updates to the two buildings took place during the fall 2014 through spring and summer 2015 semesters. Both feature new desks and remodeled classroom space, computer labs and smart classroom technology. The two-story Computer Science building was constructed in 1975 and consists of 25,949 square feet. The renovation included electrical, data and lighting upgrades, mechanical improvements, renewed paint and flooring, new roofing, exterior windows and classroom furniture. New computer labs and auditorium-style seating in several classrooms were also part of the remodeling. Electrical panels and wiring were upgraded along with elevator upgrades and restroom remodels were completed. Total cost of the cost of the upgrades for Building 121 was approximately $2.4 million. The Academic Building is a singlestory two-wing structure and is home to communication classes such as composition and literature, speech, foreign languages as well as several social and behavioral science classes. Building 104 is one of the original campus structures built in 1967. Previous renovations were completed in 1970 and 1995. The current renovation cost approximately $3 million and is similar to the work done in Computer Science building as new flooring, LED lighting, paint and wall fixtures were installed. Mechanical improvements included piping for heating/cooling purposes, sewer/water piping and duct cleaning. New roofing, exterior windows and classroom furniture were also part of the upgrade. The classrooms in both buildings are now considered “smart” classrooms as they offer personal computers, screens, podiums and employ other high-end technology. The upgrades were part of the central campus needs assessment conducted in 2013-14. “CTC invested more than $5 million dollars to improve the infrastructure, classroom facilities and technology of these facilities - all to better serve our students,” said Jim Yeonopolus, CTC interim chancellor. “The expanded, technologically-sound classroom space now provides students a better atmosphere in which to learn and study while meeting their high-tech needs.”