Extreme Makeover

By Katie Porter

As the semester gets underway this fall, it’s hard not to notice the fenced off areas around Santa Ana College. The 99-year-old campus is undergoing some serious upgrades.

The construction is part of plans established by Measure E and Measure Q bonds, with the various projects will be taking place around campus for the next few years. Multiple buildings will be upgraded or added, and underground and exterior work is also planned, according to Vice President of Administrative Services Michael Collins.

Temporary portable classrooms at the west edge of campus, dubbed “The Village” will house displaced classes from Dunlap Hall.

The building is currently closed while new elevators are installed.

Starting in December, the quad’s concrete will be replaced with bricks.

“It’s going to be green-looking and its going to have good traffic flow. These are all designed to have easiest path of travel,” Facilities Manager Mark Wheeler said.

Designs for the central mall include new park-like landscaping, seating with power outlets and art sculptures. The project also includes updates to the fountain and amphitheater, and is targeted for completion in 2018.

Other projects include a new STEM building and a complete tear down and reconstruction of the U building, which houses the bookstore and student center.

Construction during the semesters is unavoidable, district officials said.

“We don’t do more than we can handle.  We don’t want to stress the campus,” Collins said.

Renovations At A Glance

Dunlap: The four-story building is closed while new elevators and and guardrails are installed.

The Village: A 23-unit portable village on the west end of campus houses displaced classes.

Centennial: Projects are being pushed through as the college approaches its 100-year anniversary.

Taxed: Costs are covered by two voter-approved bond measures totaling more than $500 million.