Groundbreaking ceremony marks official start of construction

Construction is now under way for the new campus residence hall. The official groundbreaking ceremony took place May 14 at the location on the Central Oregon Community College campus.

COCC President Dr. Jim Middleton introduced the start of construction for the college’s latest addition. The residence hall will be located west of the tennis courts and track field.

Middleton congratulated the college on “having the courage to make the decision” to build a new residence hall.

His remarks were followed by a brief presentation from Matt McCoy, COCC vice-president for Administration. McCoy believes that the new building “represents the next great step” in the college’s expansion.

One of the main goals of the new residence hall is student success. The new hall will be closer to many critical resources and will be essential to long-term success and retention, according to Alicia Moore, dean of Student and Enrollment Services.

Residents of the new hall will be closer to Mazama gym, Barber library and the Campus Center. It will include 330 beds and the students will choose to live with one other student in a suite-like area or with three students in a room with a common/living area and a restroom.

The new residence hall will have a fully-outfitted kitchen as well as ample student parking. Completion of the project is scheduled for fall 2015.

Perla Jaimes | The Broadside
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