We’ve all noticed some of the inconveniences surrounding the construction projects. Taking a different entrance can be a hassle, and the noise surrounding the work is pretty noticeable. Those cute little paw-prints helping us find our way around, albeit inexpensive additions, have been partially demolished and things seem a little hectic from time to time.
It’s good to know, though, that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Since the approval of the referendum last November, progress has been made, and the results will be well worth the wait. The good weather has helped tremendously, keeping the projects on time. Due to the recent snowfall, some snow removal had to be done, but because of the months without any inclement weather a significant amount of money has been saved.
The extent of the construction is impressive. Many of Madison College’s buildings haven’t been updated since the 1970s, and increased enrollment has encouraged expansions on five different campuses, with three of the main projects at Truax. Work has begun on nearly all of the projects, and many of the changes are evident already.
TRUAX
Truax’s most noticeable project is the gateway on the west side of campus. It will serve as the main entrance to Madison College and, with a large, atrium-style design, is open and full of light. The addition is linked directly to the new Ingenuity Center, which will include a CNC (technologically driven machinery) training facility and allow for more holistic education in the field of advanced manufacturing. Both of these projects are on schedule to be finished in the late spring or early summer of 2013, and will be open for classes in the autumn of 2013.
Truax’s Second project is the Health Education building, which is already being built just across from the new Gateway. The frame is already up, and construction is well under way. One of the small surprises encountered in the construction so far was the discovery of an oil storage tank beneath the site of the new building. It was quickly removed, and once the soil was tested, the work was back on track. Once the building is finished, the fourteen existing health programs at Madison College will be housed in one building. There will be several active-learning classrooms that emulate clinics, as well as a virtual hospital, a public health clinic, a massage therapy clinic and a dental clinic that will also be open to the public.
The third project located at the Truax campus is the Protective Services building. It is the furthest from the main entrance, located on the west side of the property, and will be the first Madison College building seen from the west. The design is very similar to that of the Gateway, linking the buildings visually. It is scheduled as the first building to be completed, and should be finished in late November or early December of 2012. It will be open and ready for use for the spring semester of 2013.
REGIONAL CAMPUSES
Many of Madison College’s regional campuses are also receiving face-lifts. Each of the four campuses being renovated will be finished and open for classes in the fall semester of 2012. Both the Watertown and Portage addi- tions will be under construction starting in March. Construction on the additions at the Reedsburg and Fort Atkinson campuses has already begun. Construction is on schedule for all four sites, with no setbacks or surprises to speak of.
For more information, see Madison College’s construction update pages at http://matcmadison.edu/construction-update or at http://matcmadison.edu/top-stories/ construction-update-jan-91-2012.