MPCC Campuses Receive Face-lift

CAST BUILDING

WRIGHTSTONE

IMPERIAL CAMPUS

MPCC Campuses Receive Face-lift

Mid-Plains Community College campuses in McCook, North Platte and Imperial have new looks for the fall semester.

CAST Building

The college completed Phase Two of the remodel on Center for Applied Science and Technology in McCook.

Walls were removed to expand the shop. An air compressor room and tool room were created, and all windows were replaced to let in more natural light. LED lighting was also added, the interior was painted and two classrooms in the front of the building were expanded.

“We put in a storage area for information technology and improved the overall general appearance of classrooms and the entryway — including new windows along the street,” Area Vice President of Administrative Services, Mike Steele said. “Next summer we will start on Phase Three, which will be the exterior façade and signage.”

Wrightstone

The Wrightstone Fine Arts Gallery in McCook also received a facelift. The drawing and painting labs were completely renovated. The stairwell is now hidden and lockable, a storage room and new display areas were added as were cabinets so students can store supplies. “The whole building has a better look and feel to it,” said Steele. “It was repainted, the windows and lighting were updated and an overhead projector and screen were installed so that art instructor Rick Johnson can better project demonstrations to students.”

Imperial Campus

Crews have been working on the construction of a 2,800-square-foot addition on the north end of the MPCC Imperial Campus. Once complete, the building will have grown from three classrooms to seven – two with movable walls. It will also have dedicated areas for ESL classes and health and science instruction as well as new restrooms, a mechanical room and a storage room.

South Campus – North Platte

The last big project inside the McDonald-Belton Building on NPCC’s South Campus was wrapped up with the remodel of the Welcome Center and entryway.

The spaces on either side of the entrance are filled with TVs and soft seating that matches the modern theme throughout the building. The

HEALTH AND SCIENCE CENTER

Southwest view of the proposed addition to the North Platte Health and Science Center

Welcome Center received new carpet, paint, ceiling tiles, lights and a panel storage system.

Around the corner, outside the gym doors, a glass trophy case featuring digital screens was added to highlight the college’s athletics.

New parking was created on the west side of McDonald-Belton to better accommodate buses and make up for parking that was lost with the creation of a new grassy area in the middle of campus. The campus now has about 1,300 parking stalls altogether.

A road was built behind the dorms. It intersects with the campus’ new driveway that was moved north to accommodate expected access from U.S. Highway 83. A connection to the Willow Street hike and bike trail was also added.

The “Quad Project,” or green space in the middle of campus will serve as the focal point of the campus. It will feature a 30-foot by 50-foot pavilion and accompanying sound system for events.

There will also be an amphitheater with seating for 160 people, a gas-fed fire pit, Wi-Fi, ports for charging cell phones and other devices and the entire area will be monitored with security cameras.

The next project on South Campus will be an expansion of the Health and Science Center.

North Campus – North Platte

Half of the parking on the west side of the W.W. Wood Building on NPCC’s North Campus was replaced as was the parking for student housing.

The island in the student housing parking lot was narrowed to make room for larger vehicles, and the sidewalks were widened to make them more accessible. On the east side of W.W. Wood, the island was removed, and the parking lot was repainted for a new series of motorcycle classes.

Inside the building, a data center was created. The Wood Grille dining hall and kitchen were remodeled to include a new façade, flooring, paint, lights, equipment, signs, digital screens and electrical service.

The Auto Body classroom across campus was also revamped with new flooring, paint, lighting and upgraded technology.