AC welcomes new science building

On Jan. 21, the Washington Street Campus had a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the dedication of Amarillo College’s new science laboratory building.

Construction on the building began in November 2007 and was completed last December. The project cost $9.3 million.

Faculty and students continue to be impressed by the facility.

Not only is the building beautiful, but it offers twice as many laboratories as before, said Dr. Robert Bauman, a biology professor.

“There’s still some bugs to work out, some things that are not quite right in the laboratories, but we hope to get them all fixed,” Bauman said.

The building was created to accommodate AC’s growing community.

“There’s more open space. The desks are much more comfortable, actually, and it’s always a plus not having to worry about tripping in class,” said Sarah Burton, an education major.

The next two construction projects scheduled to be completed are the new nursing and dental health building on the West Campus and the renovations of Warren Hall on the Washington Street Campus.

According to the AC bond projects Web page, the nursing and dental health building will offer about 60,000 gross square feet. A new parking lot will be added to help balance out parking on the West Campus.

The nursing and dental health building is scheduled to be finished this spring. It will be named Steven W. Jones Hall in honor of the late AC president.

Up-to-date technology as well as consolidation of science students and faculty are among the benefits of the expansion.

“It lets the nursing program grow,” said Bruce Cotgreave, director of the physical plant. “It gives the dental hygiene department new equipment for accreditation and better space.”

Construction on Jones Hall began in March 2009. It is expected to be ready for classes by fall 2010.

The renovations on Warren Hall began at the back in January. The renovations will allow for more classrooms, a student study center, a conference center and an office suite.

The Warren Hall renovations also are set to be completed in time for the fall semester.