Proposition R, the $389 million bond measure passed by voters in 2008 to modernize and expand the aging Southwestern College campus, is slowly unfolding. Campus leaders said they expect the pace to pick up in 2012.
It may take 20 years to complete the long list of projects, which will be divided into 14 distinct phases. Phases have been subdivided into stages on the master plan timeline.
Stages one through four included the new two-story National City Higher Education Center, preparation for the corner lot for development, the Time Out Cafe and the central power plant.
Stage five includes remodeling of Devore Stadiums, classrooms, team rooms, locker rooms, faculty offices and the fitness center. Stage six focuses on recreating energy efficient power upgrades, while stage seven, updates the security, fire alarms and the technology. Stage eight funds equipment for remodeled buildings.
“We are on track,” said Dean of Athletics Terry Davis. “These situations take more time than we would all like.”
Stage nine is the installation of synthetic turf for the football stadium, soccer, softball, and practice fields, a proposal that has drawn some criticism from faculty members concerned about joint injuries to athletes. Stage 10 is the beginning of solar projects and installing photovoltaic (PV) plates, an alternate form of creating energy.
Mayan Hall is scheduled for renovations in stage 11, including improved access for disabled students and updated plumbing.
Landscaping and remodeling of the 100 hundred buildings are scheduled for stages 11-13. Stage 14 will focus on improvements to 210 building.