Project, plans underway at all six AC campuses

BY LINDA CORTEZ

Ranger Reporter

 

Construction, renovations and project planning are underway on all Amarillo College campuses this semester.

Out of a $68.3 million construction bond, AC still has about $23 million to wrap up the ongoing projects, including the soon-to-be Everett and Mabel McDougal Hinkson Memorial Campus in Hereford, which is scheduled to be complete in Hereford by spring 2014.

“The expansion of Amarillo College is vital to its continued growth,” said Donovan Cook, a psychology major.

“Not only will the renovations and additions interest prospective students, it will be a great asset to the community as a whole.”

In response to the continual growth in population and a demand for higher education, AC now has campuses in Hereford and Dumas.

“By having extension campuses, we are making the possibility of a college degree accessible to a larger population and graduates will have Amarillo College to thank for that,” said Bruce Cotgreave, physical plant director.

“AC has been a real leader and an innovator in terms of branch campuses,”said John Hicks, chairman of the board of regents.

“The renovations are intended to enrich the learning experience of Amarillo College students and will allow the college to better facilitate its growing population in Amarillo and surrounding communities in means of square footage but, most importantly, advanced equipment.”

Renovations to the allied health building on the West Campus is scheduled to be complete this month.

Hicks said the regents are excited to see the beginning of phase two of the construction projects.

“We’ve got mostly everybody moving back in the next two weeks in radiology and into a new pharmacy area,” he said. “Our projects are moving right along.”

A complete renovation of the Byrd Business Building on the Washington Street Campus is scheduled to be complete in six to eight weeks and the music building should be complete mid-May.

Renovations on buildings B and S on the East Campus are underway.

In the near future, the Polk Street Campus will undergo renovations beginning with the parking lot and landscaping. On Sept. 1, the campus will officially be renamed the “Downtown Campus.”