West Los Angeles College President Nabil Abu-Ghazaleh was pleased to announce that the college’s updated 2013 – 2036 Facilities Master Plan, which outlines the remainder of the bond-funded construction project, was approved by the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) Board of Trustees on January 15.
Since the preparation of Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) completed in 2005 and 2010, respectively, conditions have changed. Long-term demand is projected to be lower than anticipated in 2010 and funding for construction projects has been reduced.
Therefore, a 2013 amendment was developed applying extensive data and in-depth analysis of existing resources and current and projected needs. Every space on campus was surveyed and cataloged by size, use and quality, and every program was analyzed for growth and facilities needs.
“We looked critically at projected student demand, industry needs, and what could be staffed and supported given anticipated levels of funding in the future. The college’s governance bodies, comprised of representatives of faculty, staff, students, and administrative leaders reviewed the data and the options before us and engaged in productive debate.
“We created a solution that serves the educational needs of students and creates both community resources and an excellent workplace. Input from community oversight organizations, construction professionals and the District Board of
“Trustees were also key in the development of the new plan. I am proud of the level of participation and engagement the college community brought to this project and believe we have created a much stronger, up-to-date databacked plan,” said Abu-Ghazaleh.
The 2013 – 2036 Facilities Master Plan divides projected work into two parts: funded new construction and modernizing of existing facilities will accommodate enrollment growth projected to about 2026.
Projects in the Master Plan proposed, but unfunded at this time, would be developed to accommodate college change and growth over the second decade of this long-term plan.
Key changes in the new plan include approximately a 16% reduction in the amount of new gross square footage to be built and an increase in the amount of renovation and repurposing that will occur in existing facilities. This will reduce the higher ongoing maintenance costs associated with the earlier plan.
The space survey and needs assessment also revealed that more specialized rooms and less general lecture rooms needed to be priorities.
The revised Facilities Master Plan includes construction of a sound stage and production shops for the college’s unique Motion Picture / Television Production Crafts program as well as a small performance theater and expansion of the dance studios.
A multi-use computer lab building on the college’s west side is also part of the plan and will create a new, formal gateway to the campus. The scheduled renovations will expand the capacity of the college’s arts, science and technology programs.
Greatly needed infrastructure improvements are also addressed.
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