NCCC Master Plan aims to renew excitement in college

Tribune, Dispatch, Sentinel, September 28-30, 2006

Pictured above is part of the master plan for NCCC, which could include
development of a “learning commons,” creating an academic heart for the campus.

Consultants from JMZ Architects and Planners, P.C. hope their completed campus facility master plan proposal will allow students and area residents to look at Niagara County Community College with renewed excitement.

Robert Joy provided a status report on the development of the new master plan to members of the college master plan steering committee and the Board of Trustees on Sept. 20. He said his goal for the final plan will lead the college in a direction that will change student and community perceptions of some areas of the college from “whoa to wow!”

“The quality and the upkeep of facilities does not currently match the quality of programs and instruction that takes place here,” Joy said. “That has come through clearly in feedback from students, staff, and community groups. Designs of facilities matched those of the 1960s when planning for the existing campus, but are not appropriate for today.” The NCCC main campus building opened in 1973.

“Almost everything is 35 years old, and almost everything is going at once,” remarked NCCC President Dr. James P. Klyczek earlier this year to Niagara Frontier Publications, as he outlined projected improvements to the Sanborn campus (See the Dispatch, July 14.)

The good news according to Joy is that the college is doing everything it should with ongoing capital projects. Bathroom replacements, roof and window replacements and energy conservation improvements, improved parking and signage were all identified as high priorities by campus users and engineers who completed an evaluation of existing facilities.

A classroom utilization study and SUNY space assessment indicates that NCCC does not need major expansion and a new academic building as recommended in a previous master plan. Joy said the findings show that NCCC has space, but not always where it is most needed. For example, even though NCCC is known for small class sizes and personal attention, the actual classroom facilities are too small. The entrances to the library are poorly provided, limiting access.

One of the initial concepts likely to be a part of the completed master plan involves the development of a “learning commons” area, creating an academic heart for the campus and economically addressing many shortcomings identified in research regarding the campus. The idea calls for enclosing the smallest of the campus’ three courtyards between the library and the E building classrooms. It would allow for new learning space supported by technology and library services, the expansion of 12 small classrooms and a larger, better designed, library. It also creates a main entranceway to the college and resolves child care center issues. The fourth floor of the Henrietta Lewis Library would be converted into a conference center in the plan.

NCCC Chair of the Board of Trustees Facilities Committee, Joan Wolfgang, said that while the idea is strictly conceptual at this point, it does add excitement to a master plan that will primarily focus on issues related to improvements to existing facilities.

“The community loves to call Niagara County Community College the gem of the county,” Wolfgang said. “We would love to have it look that way. A master plan includes a wish list and this is progressive thinking that demonstrates NCCC can include green, environmentally friendly architecture with state-of-the-art facilities. Not only would a project of this type make necessary improvements, it would provide a signature area that would make a favorable impression on students and visitors.”

The master plan could also include more environmentally friendly suggestions including less lawn mowing and more natural wildflower settings.

Other projects that could make their way into the final draft plan include: continuing critical maintenance projects underway, construction of a vehicle maintenance building separate from the existing college buildings for increased safety and allowing the current area to be used as a needed receiving and storage facility, and a building to support athletic fields with lavatory facilities and concessions.