Bismarck State College officially broke ground today on a new Communications and Creative Arts Center. Gov. Jack Dalrymple spoke, along with North Dakota University System Interim Chancellor Larry C. Skogen and BSC Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Drake Carter.
Designed by JLG Architects, the 40,000 square foot Communications and Creative Arts Center will bring BSC's English and Visual Arts departments together into a modern space. It also will replace the library with a 21st century learning commons.
The center includes full library offerings, studio spaces, a campus gallery, eight high-tech classrooms, and faculty office space. Situated in the heart of the BSC campus at the corner of Edwards Avenue and Schafer Street, the center has views of the Missouri River, Capitol building, Tom O'Leary Golf Course, and downtown Bismarck. The center will be connected by skyways to Schafer Hall and the Jack Science Center. An arts courtyard will provide outdoor space.
A number of sustainable elements were included in the building design including:
• Maximized natural daylight
• Utilization of existing utilities, irrigation system and infrastructure
• Integration of indigenous plant species into landscaping
• Low-flow water fixtures
• Use of low-e materials to manage indoor air quality
• LED exterior lighting
The center was proposed in 2012 after a structural study showed severe disrepair and structural issues within the current BSC library building. The North Dakota Legislature provided $12.7 million for construction and another $600,000 for non-construction activities including humanities programming and support. The North Dakota Legislature required BSC to raise $665,000 as part of the project authorization. Support from an anonymous donor as well as an Otto Bremer Foundation grant for $166,250 brought BSC to that goal.
The BSC Foundation is working toward a $6 million fundraising goal authorized by the Legislature for a theater addition.
The center is expected to be complete by summer 2015.
About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.
Designed by JLG Architects, the 40,000 square foot Communications and Creative Arts Center will bring BSC's English and Visual Arts departments together into a modern space. It also will replace the library with a 21st century learning commons.
The center includes full library offerings, studio spaces, a campus gallery, eight high-tech classrooms, and faculty office space. Situated in the heart of the BSC campus at the corner of Edwards Avenue and Schafer Street, the center has views of the Missouri River, Capitol building, Tom O'Leary Golf Course, and downtown Bismarck. The center will be connected by skyways to Schafer Hall and the Jack Science Center. An arts courtyard will provide outdoor space.
A number of sustainable elements were included in the building design including:
• Maximized natural daylight
• Utilization of existing utilities, irrigation system and infrastructure
• Integration of indigenous plant species into landscaping
• Low-flow water fixtures
• Use of low-e materials to manage indoor air quality
• LED exterior lighting
The center was proposed in 2012 after a structural study showed severe disrepair and structural issues within the current BSC library building. The North Dakota Legislature provided $12.7 million for construction and another $600,000 for non-construction activities including humanities programming and support. The North Dakota Legislature required BSC to raise $665,000 as part of the project authorization. Support from an anonymous donor as well as an Otto Bremer Foundation grant for $166,250 brought BSC to that goal.
The BSC Foundation is working toward a $6 million fundraising goal authorized by the Legislature for a theater addition.
The center is expected to be complete by summer 2015.
About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.