This semester will be different for the students and faculty members because there is construction going on at EC that may effect the way they get to class.
Although the construction is an inconvenience now, it will benefit current as well as future students when it is completed.
The construction started with the $25 million parking structure at the intersection of Stadium Way and Redondo Beach Boulevard.
The new 1,230 space parking structure that stands five stories tall and has a monitoring system that identifies available spaces on an electronic signboard at the two entrances.
EC is also spending $12 million to remodel the Bookstore, which is scheduled to reopen summer 2010.
EC hopes the remodel will make getting in and out of the Bookstore more efficient for students according to Fallo’s recent newsletter.
EC is also remodeling 40 restrooms across the campus for the students and faculty.
The restroom remodels will cost $1.4 million but some students say it is well worth it.
“I don’t use the bathrooms on campus because they’re in bad shape,” Kurt Walcher, 20, art major said. “I think (remodeling the restrooms) is a good idea.”
There are also plans to renovate the Social Science building starting next spring at an estimated cost of $12 million.
The biggest project taking place is the renovation of the Math, Business and Allied Health building that is said to cost a whopping $63.5 million.
This new building will be 105,000 square feet, and four stories tall and will house the math and business divisions, along with the nursing, respiratory therapy, and radiological technology programs, according to Dr. Thomas Fallo’s recent newsletter.
Along with the enormous cost of these buildings comes the drawbacks of students and faculty having to take detours.
The inconvenience of going to and from class while the construction is taking place on campus has some students frustrated.
“It’s a pain trying to go to class,” Jeff Craver, 22, said. “Especially when you’re running late and you have to make this huge detour because the walk-way is blocked and you don’t even know why.”
For some students, the renovations are even affecting their studies.
“I think it’s an inconvenience because now people walk through the pool area when we practice and that’s pretty distracting” Erica Shaw, 21, said.
However, the construction on campus does not affect everyone at EC.
“My classes are more towards the middle of the campus so I’m not affected by the walk-ways being