A class of its own
By Ryan Chalk
Posted: 09/17/2009
The Solano Community College Vacaville Center is beginning to take form as crews work to close the steel skeleton of the two-story, 40,000-square-foot building before winter rain falls. (Ryan Chalk / The Reporter)
For years, Solano Community College has been building for the future, and it is becoming evident in north Vacaville, where the community college district is making progress on the latest jewel in its educational crown.
Located on North Village Parkway, the new Vacaville Center will be a multi-story, 40,000-square-foot facility that will allow the college to greatly expand its course offerings and services to the residents of Vacaville, Dixon and Winters, as well as all of Solano County. Located on a 60-acre site, the new facility will include science laboratories, library services, a computer laboratory, bookstore distribution space and outdoor spaces for study and relaxation.
It was nothing more than a dirt field in June of last year when school officials, community members and architects gathered to ceremoniously turn the first spades of earth.
Today, construction crews are working diligently on Phase I, and passing motorists can easily see the large steel skeleton of what will become Building Three. A closer look reveals the outline of a parking lot and landscaping.
Paving is set to start in a couple of weeks and Sheetrock is beginning to go up, according to Dave Froehlich, director of facilities for the college.
The two-story building is scheduled for completion by early spring and will also feature a lecture hall and multipurpose room, meeting space and offices for health and financial aid.
"It's got a little bit of everything in it," Froehlich said.
The entire cost of the current phase is about $25 million, which includes all of the furnishings and technology that will make it move-in ready. The project is funded through Measure G bond funds which Solano County voters passed in 2002 totaling $124.5 million.
"Things are really coming together nicely and of course it's all for our students," Froehlich said.
Solano Community College District Governing Board member Sarah Chapman said that positive reports have been coming in as to the progress of the facility and community members she has spoken to have expressed excitement in having a site located in the northern portion of the county.
"We're just very happy with the way the facility is progressing," said Chapman, who represents Vacaville, Dixon and Winters. "I'm very enthusiastic with the future of Solano Community College overall. There's a lot of positive things going on."
An architect's rendering of Phase I at Solano Community College's Vacaville campus scheduled to open this spring. (Ryan Chalk / The Reporter)
