The Cerritos College Lecture Hall and Natural Sciences buildings will be demolished and replaced by a $20 million state-of-the-art Science and Math Complex by 2005.
The two-story, 61,609 square foot structure, will include six lecture halls, four chemistry labs, five biology labs, a prep area and offices.
The project is estimated at a total cost of $19.43 million.
“However, the state is likely to make adjustments,” said Norman Fujimoto, Instructional Dean of the Science, Engineering and Math Division.
“We’re all very excited. It’s like building a new home.”
Referring to the design of the Lecture Hall, which was built in the 1960’s, Liberal Arts major Marissa Gonzalez said, “It’s about time they replaced that dinosaur of a building.”
Director of Physical Plant Michael Sebak explained, “The new structure will be built to meet current codes and chemistry lab requirements such as proper ventilation and waste receptacles.”
Geography Instructor Robert Kreger agrees with the decision to develop the school. “We need classrooms modern in technology that are carefully planned and laid out to satisfy the teachers’ and students’ needs.”
Construction will begin in 2003 and end in late 2004 or early 2005. The Natural Sciences labs will remain open during the development to accommodate students until construction of the new building is done.
When construction of the Science and Math Complex is finished, the Natural Sciences building will also be demolished.
The change was brought about when school officials proposed plans for a cross-campus master plan five years ago. During inspection, the Lecture Hall was found in serious need of repairs.
Fujimoto said that since it “didn’t make sense to remodel,” administrators submitted proposals for improvements to the Chancellor’s Office. The state approved the building and released funding for preliminary plans.
“It’s a major impact,” Fujimoto raved. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for Cerritos College. It’s definitely a step in the right direction for the future of this college.”
