LRC-D to basement, asbestos to move out
By Randa Anthony
The LRC-D computer lab will not only move next semester, but when it returns it will have a totally new look.
The computer lab is being moved to the lower level of the D building into the basement for complete remodeling of the area for which the IVCC board is now taking bids from general contractors.
The ceiling is to be dropped for new lighting and the floor raised 7 inches for easier access to networking cables, said Larry Rousey, director of facilities. The project is being funded through a Technology Enhancement Grant.
Offices within that area will also move to the E building’s Counseling Center and will be put into temporary cubicles when the project is complete.
Once the computers have been returned to the new lab, the lower level of the D building will then be turned into temporary offices of the instructors who are currently located in the A building.
The move is to be completed by the end of April so work can begin on the A building in the third week of May, said Rousey. At the same time, the computer services area on the upper level of the C building will receive the same improvements.
In addition to a new roof on the A building, a new heating ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system is to be put in while they are removing asbestos located within the structure.
The HVAC systems are to be improved and asbestos removed from all remaining buildings over the next three years at a cost of $4.5 million.
A replacement of the fire line for building G is currently underway between the gymnasium and the main campus to change a 6-inch water main that supplies water to and around the building at a cost of $60,000.
"We really have a lot going on right now," said Rousey. "All of these projects are part of the implementation of the college Master Plan. It’s exciting to see the changes and improvements that are happening."
Other improvements have already been made of campus with Air Moisture Infiltration Phase II being completed Nov. 1.
This project included new windows and trim in the E building to make it more energy efficient, said Rousey. Single pane windows were replaced by triple pane windows with caulk sealant to prevent air, moisture and pest infiltration to the interior of the building.
Halm Brothers Construction of Ottawa conducted the work at a cost of $173,954.
Phase I of the project was completed over the past year with the replacement of windows in the D building and new roof s on both the D and E buildings and Gymnasium.
"The windows really look great," Rousey said. "We’re really happy with the way they turned out."
He continued, "It practically looks like a new building."
The will also be a replacement for the existing fire alarm system and of the furnace boiler at a cost of about $160,000.