SANTA ANA : College Board OKs $12.5-Million Facility

The Rancho Santiago Community College Board of Trustees has approved in concept the construction of a business and computer technology building at the Santa Ana campus.

The board last week adopted a plan for a $12.5-million structure, which is tentatively scheduled to open for classes by the fall of 1995.

The 60,000-square-foot building will house most of the campus’s computers and computer-related instructional classes.

Bob Partridge, administrative dean of facility planning and development, said that the building will alleviate crowding in other buildings. It will also include a multipurpose room that will be used for district board meetings and allow more space for the audience than the current boardroom.

Partridge said the two-story building, which will be built at the corner of 17th and Bristol streets, will enhance the district’s image and provide a visible sign of its commitment to the community.

The project will be funded solely by state money generated by a bond issue that was approved last June by voters. Partridge said that the district was awarded the money to help offset the strain on facilities caused by its continually climbing enrollment. The district will also receive $1.1 million to furnish the building.

“This building completes the Santa Ana campus,” Chancellor Vivian Blevins told the board. “Unless we get some more land, this is it.”