March was a busy month for construction workers toiling away on the new TransAlta Commons student center at Centralia College. Once completed, the 70,000-square-foot building will be the new location for admissions, registration, financial aid, the bookstore, cafeteria, high-tech classrooms and a 500-seat dining and meeting space for the use of both school and community members.
Last month, construction was completed on the second and third floor decking and side rails of the east section of the center, according to a press release from the college. That progress allowed workers to begin the installation of electrical, plumbing, mechanical and other building infrastructure.
Work has now shifted to the west section of the building. Later this month, officials expect work to begin on the four-story atrium section of the center. That section was designed to be the both the building’s showpiece and defining characteristic.
Additionally, the campus circle at the intersection of Washington Avenue and the Aadland Esplanade is scheduled to soon be made over with brick and pavers in order to create an outdoor focal point for the campus. That 13,000-square-foot outdoor area will effectively tie together Washington Hall, Walton Science Center, Kiser Natural Outdoor Learning Lab and the new TransAlta Commons. The intent is to use the space to host both campus and community events.
For full details on the construction project, visit www.centralia.edu.
