Cape Cod Community College receives $25 million in state bond funds toward new science/engineering technology center

Filed Under: Other News

Cape Cod Community College (CCCC) President John Cox joined other state leaders today as they heard Governor Charlie Baker commit millions of dollars of capital construction bond funds to projects across the State. For CCCC, the commitment of $25 million means the start of what will likely be a 3-1/2 year project, to design and build a new science and engineering center on the campus.
“The need for our new center for the sciences and engineering has been a top priority for us for a very long time,” stated President Cox, as he gratefully acknowledged the State’s investment in Cape Cod, but added that this was only part of the total project cost. “We’re really talking about a $38 million project. The remaining $13 million must come from other sources, including the institution itself, the business community, especially the science and technology sector of the region’s economy, and the generosity of private donors,” he explained.
The existing Science Building and Lecture Hall Complex that the new building will replace has been on the State’s list for significant renovation or replacement needs for several years. It is the largest academic building on campus and is used for instruction of all laboratory courses. A 2015 Study found it was cost prohibitive to renovate the structure, and the result would still not appropriately accommodate academic needs. A new building was the most effective solution to a long list of challenges.
“The College had completed the study and conceptual design phase for a new science and engineering building three years ago, but state budget challenges put that project on hold, and ultimately it was abandoned. A new proposal was submitted and we are very excited that the state has accepted the new approach. It is now up to us to bring the community on board, raise the additional funds, and use the State’s investment to better serve future generations of students and the community,” explained President Cox.
While the College engages the community, a new study will identify the teaching spaces necessary to support our students and community.  Following that planning process, basic drawings of building configurations will be created and discussed.
From there, all of the formal architectural designs will be completed, fixtures identified, and furnishings chosen to meet the teachings needs. This is a highly detailed process, with significant campus input.  Once done, construction begins.
The construction phase itself is estimated to take about 18 to 24 months. The goal will be to get the project done, as quickly as possible.
At this time, the plan is to build the structure immediately adjacent to the existing Science Building and Lecture Halls. Once completed, the old building would be removed. This phased construction process should be the least disruptive to the College’s class and laboratory schedule.
“This is a pivotal moment in the life of our College,” stated President Cox. “We are excited, embarking on this journey that engages our community and ultimately provides state-of-the-art facilities supporting the outstanding instruction of our students that has been the hallmark of this institution,” he concluded.