Crews have been working on the project steadily throughout the summer and fall.
The tower will expand the footprint of the college, adding about 46,000 square feet of space.
The ground floor will feature a new welcome center, which will expedite the registration process for students, and include admissions and business offices, financial aid, new testing labs, a counseling area and new meeting rooms.
The tower will contain two elevators, and the second and third floors will feature classrooms and offices, along with new Mac labs and art studios.
The fourth floor will include art studios, classrooms and a student lounge space with another Mac lab and offices.
According to Richard Hennessey, HCC facilities director, about 30 percent of the existing Lafayette Hall has been impacted by the new construction and has involved relocating offices and personnel to temporary areas.
Much of the art that enhanced Lafayette Hall has been removed for safekeeping during the construction process, although the Burt Chernow Galleries are open, and special exhibits are ongoing.
Along with the construction of the new tower, work on the HCC garage, including updates to the sprinkler system and other structural repairs, is expected to be completed in the late spring.
Next on HCC’s construction list are renovations to other areas of Lafayette Hall, including enlarging the library and audio center, adding new science and allied health classrooms, labs and student lounge areas.
The latter projects are planned for completion in December 2018.
“This work will transform HCC,” said Paul Broadie, the college’s president. “We are building a state-of-the-art center that will give students a cohesive path through the admissions and registration process. The new labs and studios and classrooms will be the hallmark for the STEAM education. We eagerly anticipate the use of this new facility.”
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