GCC Science & Engineering Building and Information Commons

Half of this new facility is dedicated to new general classrooms and science labs for chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering. Environmental chambers for on-going, uninterrupted research and experiments are an important feature of the new lab space.

The other half of the building is comprised of a central Learning Resource Center for students and faculty. The LRC houses approximately 12,000 volumes and provides traditional library services, including computer stations, a multimedia center, and study areas. Faculty and staff offices and conference rooms can also be found in this part of the facility.

Sustainable features of the project include a wind turbine that powers outlets near benches in the bio-swale garden, a green roof, smart energy management controls, and displays on view in the glass-faced mechanical room that allow for education both in and out of the classroom. In addition, water is harvested from the building runoff to flush the toilets.

Independence Construction was also responsible for the renovation of the vacated former library space, as well as associated site work, including sidewalks, grading, utilities, landscaping, and parking.