MJC and Columbia projects: an interactive look

By MICHELLE HATFIELD
mhatfield@modbee.com

last updated: August 21, 2008 07:28:43 AM

For the first time since a school bond passed nearly four years ago, multiple construction projects will break ground this year at Modesto Junior College and Columbia College.

MJC's auditorium, now called the Performing and Media Arts Center, is open and ready for classes and performances this fall.

The child development center, public safety center and Madrone Building at Columbia College have started or are nearing construction. Madrone houses auto and welding technology.

The Yosemite Community College District, the two community colleges' parent district, has spent $43.9 million in four years, as of April 30. Passed by voters in November 2004, Measure E is paying for $326 million in construction and renovation projects.

Other project updates include:

A land donation this year for an MJC satellite site in Patterson.

Columbia's science and natural resources building is close to going out for bid. Officials hope it will be certified as meeting basic green standards, after geothermal drilling indicated lower underground temperatures than necessary to make the building energy-efficient.

Several projects are in the design phase, such as MJC's Allied Health and Science Community Center.

Officials are testing soil on MJC's west campus for possible levels of toxic chemicals left from prior incarnations of the campus as a military facility and mental hospital. The testing continues to hold off construction of on-campus housing for agriculture students, originally set for completion last January.

Bee staff writer Michelle Hatfield can be reached at mhatfield@modbee.com or 578-2339.

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