The upper level of Grandview Hall, part of the original campus built in 1967, is getting the renovation it needs, according to Rick Hayes, Central Oregon Community College’s Construction Office project manager.
The renovation, issued to Sunwest Builders for $693,173, is part of a project aimed at using available space on campus to unite departments, explained Hayes.
“This is a good space for the math department to come together,” Hayes said.
Math instructors will move into their newly built offices located in the upper level of Grandview when they return fall 2013.
COCC math instructors aren’t the only ones benefitting from the project; according to Hayes, students enrolled in math courses at COCC will also gain from having the math program in a centralized area on campus.
“All the work that’s done on campus is based on what can improve the student experience,” Hayes said. “Having all the instructors together in a space where they can plan how they want to interact with the students will be a benefit.”
Another advantage, Hayes explained, is the “Fireside” room will double as a study lounge.
“The idea is that [students] can go visit with the instructor, get assistance, and go work on an assignment,” Hayes said. “Then, they can have easy access to the instructor again.”

Another advantage, Hayes explained, is the “Fireside” room will double as a study lounge.
“The idea is that [students] can go visit with the instructor, get assistance, and go work on an assignment,” Hayes said. “Then, they can have easy access to the instructor again.”
Along with the new offices, the project includes new bathrooms, upgraded lighting fixtures and more flow of natural light, explained Hayes.
“We’re trying to get as much natural light through the space as we can,” Hayes said, “so it will be less dark, less creepy, less closed off.”
Demolition began the first week of May, according to Hayes, and a class schedule was sent to the contractor in advance.
“We included the class schedule with the idea that the contractor would avoid … doing really heavy and noisy work during class hours,” Hayes said. “There is always noise with construction.”
Juniper Hall residents can forget setting their alarm during the demolition phase of the renovation, according to COCC student and dorm resident Kathrin Lauber. She said she hears construction begin at seven a.m. from her room.
“I can hear everything,” Lauber said.
Fellow dorm resident, Johanna Ferris, is looking forward to the completion of the project.
“I think it’ll be a good thing when it’s all over,” Ferris said. “[Construction crews] start really early in the morning.”
Some students at COCC, like McKinley Keener, remain unbothered by the noise up at Grandview.
“It’s a construction site,” Keener said. “[Noise] comes along with any construction site.”

–Anna Quesenberry

The Broadside