Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) students will be celebrating the start of construction or a renovated gymnasium, fitness center and weight room when they gather for a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday.
This $18 million project wasn’t just championed by SFCC students, they also agreed to pay for it using student funds over the next 20 years. Their vote of support in 2015 made the project possible during a time when the state of Washington has few funds available for construction projects at community colleges.
“This gym means a lot to the students and symbolizes more than just a new facility,” said Caleb Olson, Associated Student Government president. “It highlights SFCC's commitment to collaborative leadership. This institution incorporated the views of students, staff and faculty throughout the planning process. The students have been pleased with the plans and will enjoy the final product for decades to come.”
The project includes a renovation of the main 23,700-square-foot gymnasium, fitness center and weight room. The gym will get new bleachers, scoreboard systems and lighting. It will add classrooms for physical education, athletics and faculty offices, student lounges and a two-story climbing wall.
“Students at SFCC are to be commended for funding what will become a focal point of student activity and student engagement,” said Ken Burrus, athletic director at Community Colleges of Spokane.
The groundbreaking ceremony will be at 12:45 p.m., Wednesday, April 5 at the SFCC gymnasium’s south lawn, located in Building 7 at 3410 W. Fort George Wright Drive.
A free barbecue lunch will follow the ceremony provided by the SFCC Associated Student Government and the Community Colleges of Spokane Booster Club.
Designed by Integrus Architecture PS, it also adds classrooms for physical education, student lounges and a two-story climbing wall. Lydig Construction, Inc. is the general contractor. The $18 million project is scheduled to be complete in June 2018.
Gymnasium activities will be relocated during construction to the Spokane Community College, and faculty and staff offices have been moved to temporary locations at SFCC.
(Click the thumbnail for larger view)