Senator, state reps on hand for groundbreaking

Cascadia Community College President Bill Christopher joked that he wanted a bulldozer to commemorate the event.

However, eight shovels would have to work in the hands of a state senator, a pair of state representatives and other prominent figures. In all, 10 people took center stage on the Cascadia north lawn May 20 for the groundbreaking of the new Center for Global Learning and the Arts.

Construction on the 54,300-square-foot building was scheduled to begin May 27. The $35 million center is slated to open winter quarter 2010.

“This building is a critical piece of our plan. I think we’re on a roll here,” Michael Martino, Cascadia Board of Trustees chair, told the crowd of about 50. “Our friends in Legislature have helped us with their vote of confidence and getting money from the state.”

The center will feature classrooms, faculty offices, language labs, art studios and gallery space and a showbox theater/multi-purpose room, according to Margaret Sprug of The Miller Hull Partnership architects. Hoffman Construction is the contractor on the job.

“It’s a historic occasion to expand to this beautiful hillside,” said Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe. “It’s a great part of economic development for this town and the surrounding towns.”

Added Rep. Mark Ericks: “The completion of this building in 2010 is not the end of it. We have another one to go — a science building.”

In Cascadia’s continuing commitment to the environment, the new building is on track to surpass state standards and achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Standard for sustainability, which is determined by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The Center for Global Learning and the Arts signifies Phase Two of Cascadia’s master plan for development, and the next building is scheduled for completion by 2025.