One of the first campus projects to be completed, the Humanities Building gives students an idea of what to expect when construction on parking Lot H ensues.
“I like the new Humanities Building,” Lashandre Haoob, 19, journalism major, said.
“I feel good walking through the hallways and I like how the bathrooms are (located) right next to the classrooms.”
Completely new and updated, eight computer labs, in-class projection devices and internet connectivity allow for students and instructors alike to take full advantage of today’s advancements in technology.
“I feel pretty good about this new building. Aside from the bathrooms, everything is pretty good,” Jeffrey Barraga, 18, biology major, said.
A slight mishap with the building’s plumbing may have inconvenienced students, but was quickly corrected.
“The fact is, discharged solids that went into sewer lines which didn’t have enough water to wash them downstream,” Bob Gann, director of facilities and planning, said.
“The big influx of students at the beginning of the semester caused a partial blockage and the plumbing was backed up. The sewer lines are all fine and we’re certain that they’re going to continue to work fine as long the building is occupied,” Gann said.
Furthering the progress and modernization of EC’s campus, renovations to 40 restrooms on campus will take place from 10 p.m to 6 a.m during the summer, while the infrastructure’s progress will directly affect students and faculty beginning March 3.
Parking lot H will be unavailable for parking, as it will be under construction.
“Students will need to give themselves more time and will need to plan ahead instead of waiting for that perfect spot,” Bruce Hoerning, assistant director of facilities and planning, said. “It’s going to be an inconvenience, but it will be worth it in the end.”
An estimated 14 months of construction will yield a five-level parking structure, which will increase parking spaces from 300 to 1,100 spaces available for students.
“We’re hoping for some parking to open up during the fall in a portion of Parking Lot H,’ Hoerning said. ” Obviously, a lot of space is needed for students and construction workers alike.”
Cadets from the EC police department will continue to direct traffic as automobiles cause parking lots and structures to become packed with people looking for places to park.
“We’re looking to obtain temporary parking for students,” Hoerning said. “We’re looking at Alondra Park and neighboring businesses and there could be a shuttle system.”
Students may utilize bicycles, skateboards, or scooters as an alternative to driving a car.
“We’re trying to come up with a solution, but it’s not going to be pretty,” Hoerning said.
