STC Continues To Grow
Just like a growing child, South Texas College shows new signs of growth again. On the 40-acre tract north side of the Pecan Campus, passersby can see the construction crew of Skanska USA, contractor for the project, build the skeleton of what will become the college’s Information Technology (IT) Building. This phase of construction, Phase II, also includes construction of the Institutional Support Services Building (ISS) and a Communication Arts Building, all designed by Boultinghouse, Simpson & Associates of McAllen.
Phase I, completed in fall 2005, included 16 buildings that were built in 16 months. The expansion program made possible by a bond issue approved by taxpayers in 2001.
Construction of the new IT and ISS buildings is expected to be completed in November 2006. The IT building, a 40,994 square foot facility, will house 11 computer labs, faculty offices and the College’s Information Services and Planning department, which is now located off campus. The building is being constructed with the latest technological advances to meet the needs of students enrolled in the computer science and business computers systems programs. The advanced technology will also benefit the College’s Information Services and Planning department allowing for enhanced telecommunications services among departments district wide.
“Construction of these next three buildings is part of our master plan to meet the College’s immediate and future needs,” said Gerry Rodriguez, STC director of Facilities and Planning. Rodriguez adds that Phase I construction focused on meeting the needs for faculty and student services such as classrooms and libraries.
The ISS building will be home to the Office of Human Resources, the Business Office, Purchasing department and the Planning and Construction department. The ISS building will be located at the northernmost part of the 40-acre tract allowing for easy access for job applicants, vendors and contractors.
The Communication Arts building, expected to be completed in July 2007, will become a focal point of the STC Pecan Campus. The state-of-the-art 21,825 square foot facility will house a 203 seat theater for performances, an instructional theater, two classrooms and six faculty offices. A conference center with seating capacity for 200 people will be built adjoining the Communication Arts building.
“This exciting new facility will also provide the opportunity for STC to offer performances, theatrical productions, student events and conferences,” said Dr. Shirley A. Reed, STC president.
“The Board of Trustees had been planning for the construction of a Communication Arts building for many years before designing this first rate facility,” Dr. Reed added.
Funding for construction of the Communication Arts facility included bond and non-bond funds, but a $1,250,000 donation from Edwynne G. Cooper, a long time resident of McAllen secured by Board trustee Gary Gurwitz, has also helped fund the construction costs. The donation was made in honor of Cooper’s son, Edward Pillow Cooper, who will be the namesake for the Communications Arts Building.
This phase of construction also includes a new boulevard with landscaping leading into the 40-acre tract. “This is only the beginning of the expansion on this side of the campus,” notes Rodriguez.
“As part of our master plan for the Pecan campus, we have allowed for room for growth,” he said.
Last Updated June 20, 2007