Renovation of the De Anza College campus continues as the spring 2010 quarter opens. Most of the construction is funded by the Measure C proposal passed in 2006, in which $490.8 million was allotted to the Foothill-De Anza Community College district.

One of the major ongoing projects is the renovation of the Multicultural Center. According to Director of College Services Donna Jones-Dulin, interior changes will include an expanded meeting room and fewer classrooms, but more open gathering space. West of the original building, a new “I have a dream” outdoor art classroom will be constructed, as well as the “Shores of Refuge” and “Peace Plaza,” which will serve as study/resting places for students between classes.

“We want to make sure we have an adequate and professional space to come in and interact with students,” Jeanine Hawk, Vice President of Finance and College Services said. The project will cost around $4.2 million.

Other buildings listed by the FHDA district for renovations include the East Cottage next to the California Historical Center, set to be the future quarters for the Institute of Community and Civic Engagement, and the Baldwin Winery next to the Hinson Campus Center. Both projects are estimated by the district to cost around $7.4 million and are slated to be completed in fall of 2010.

The large, fenced off lot beside the Flint Center parking structure is the planned location of a new building, the Mediated Learning Center. Construction is scheduled for late 2011 and is estimated to be completed by winter of 2012, according to the district.

“The [MLC], as all of our buildings, benefit students by providing learning spaces. Besides distance learning and anthropology, there will be 10 general purpose classrooms that will be used by multi-disciplines,” Jones-Dulin said.

The district estimates the MLC will cost around $54.5 million and will be the last construction project backed by Measure C funds.

The reconstruction serves mainly to modernize the campus and improve energy efficiency by updating technological, electrical, heating and ventilation systems. Some of the uses for Measure C listed on the FHDA district website include “upgrade wiring for technology, bring all classrooms and labs up to current earthquake standards, renovate and expand classrooms, libraries, science and computer labs, and provide up-to-date technology now and in the future.”

The projects also aim to support the larger influx of students on campus. According to the FHDA district website, “Our colleges [De Anza and Foothill] were built in 1957 and 1967 for 8,000 students but now serve more than 44,000 students. The student population will grow by at least another 2,000 students in the next five years.”