Westmoreland County Community College board of trustees Wednesday adopted a 10-year master facilities plan presented to the public earlier in the day by Jean A. Stark of JMZ Architects and Planners of Glens Falls, N.Y.
The college retained JMZ in December 2008 to conduct a space utilization and planning needs study of the Youngwood campus and WCCC education centers in Westmoreland, Fayette, Indiana and Greene counties.
"They looked at the use of classrooms, the number of students, peak times of day, in every classroom and every building," spokeswoman Anna Marie Palatella said last month.
Last night, Stark recommended a two-phase plan, each phased in over five years.
Much of the overall plan depends upon the relocation of the school's Business and Industry Center at the main campus.
Last month, President Daniel Obara said the college is looking for a facility to house the existing credit programs and to provide customized job training for business and manufacturing enterprises.
The relocation could involve moving technology programs and a work force training center to leased space at the Sony Technology Center-Pittsburgh, East Huntingdon.
The Business and Industry Center will be renovated. A children's center, space for the arts program and general classroom space will eventually be relocated there.
Last night, Stark reviewed potential expansions, renovations and upgrades campus-wide, from utilizing "swing" (empty) space while other buildings undergo renovation to increased parking and banners along the school entrance.
Under the first phase, recommended renovations to Founders Hall include a reconfiguration and expansion of student services, a new welcome center, relocation of administration offices to the second floor, updating existing science labs and creating a biology skills lab, relocation and renovation of faculty offices, and relocation and expansion of the security office.
A second phase could include creating a new computer resource center and an upgraded cafeteria.
Commissioners Hall recommendations included creating two new nursing labs, an open skills lab, observation and conference rooms, and a student lounge. A second phase could include a new culinary arts lab.
Science Hall appears to be in good shape, Stark said. In the future, a new theater office and additional storage space for the gallery might be considered.
At the Laurel Education Center in Latrobe, Stark recommended either the renovation of 4,500 square feet, a costly undertaking, or that the college seek a new location.
It also was recommended that the college consider relocating the Mon Valley Center, located off Route 51 on Fells Church Road in Rostraver, closer to a "population center" to increase utilization.
The board approved the plan with 11 trustees voting. Absent were Charles Kraft, Jeffrey Imbrescia, Lois Sculco and John Wright.
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