Major building program under way on campus
Benjamin Disraeli said that change is the only constant. That's true on the campus of Coastal Carolina University, and change represents energy. From the time you enter campus, you notice land clearing and construction. A revised master plan initiated at the direction of our Board of Trustees will evaluate academic program space needs, buildings, student housing, infrastructure, parking, environmental issues and surrounding neighborhoods. The completed master plan will suggest locations for new facilities along with a proposed time line and estimated construction costs.The developer of the plan will have to run to catch up with construction. Take Kimbel Library, for instance. The current library facility was constructed in 1976 when the student population was 1,395, and it was primarily designed for library collections of texts and periodicals. The proposed library addition will consist of 15,000 square feet to be used as an information commons area called the Bryan Family Information Commons.
The information commons will be a student-centered study/reference/tutorial center which will be available to students 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It will be located within the University library center, but separate from the library collection of texts and periodicals. This will be a technology-rich setting where laptops and workstation computers are abundant. The information commons will be the intellectual heart of the campus. This project also includes the renovation of the front entrance of the library and needed interior improvements (flooring, lighting, updated circulation area) to provide a more welcoming environment.
Additionally, we're preparing for an academic office complex for faculty/staff and additional classroom space. The proposed 46,000-square foot facility will provide approximately 112 academic offices for faculty/staff, three 120-seat tiered classrooms, six 25-seat classrooms and six 30-seat classrooms.
The Swain Hall Health Sciences Building will include a science laboratory annex with 20 to 22 science laboratories, supply spaces and 30 to 35 offices for faculty.
This addition is consistent with our goal to construct a new state-of-the-art science building to integrate all science instruction, including marine science and computer science (now in remote locations) to the main campus.
Finally, the 130,000 square foot student recreation/convocation center will create an exciting new space for student recreation and student life activities. We'll have a place for commencements and convocations, and our basketball teams will finally have a home that is fitting for Division I programs.
The Kimbel Arena will be converted into two practice courts, improved office space for coaches and team meeting rooms. The addition will be used for group exercise classes, clubs and intramural sports, an indoor running track, an indoor climbing wall, a wellness and nutrition area, as well as locker and changing rooms.
The Williams-Brice building was built in 1971 and is greatly in need of refurbishment and maintenance. Renovation of the current facility will include roof and mechanical upgrades as well as interior refurbishment. Over the next few years, we'll see a great deal of new construction across campus, thanks to the voters of Horry County and to our board members and their collective vision of what the future holds.
Thank you for your ideas and suggestions, for your enthusiasm and hospitality to campus visitors, for caring about our legacy to future generations. Your hard work, energy and success impart the real energy to these buildings.
Change truly is the only constant, and we appreciate and encourage change at Coastal Carolina University.
I wish you and your family the happiest and safest Holiday Season.
