Phase II Expansion Blog

Campus Expansion Update: March 28, 2012

We are officially in the second phase of a multi-phase campus expansion project, with completion of Phase II expected in summer 2013. The project will expand the campus to 292,000 square feet.

Phase II

Phase II will include construction of a three-story, 56,000-square-foot classroom building which will extend from the 600 Building and add approximately 19 classrooms to campus while making room for future office space.

Currently: All utilities (power, water, gas) have been relocated for foundation work. Footings and walls are being poured for the foundation. Site work completion is expected in late spring 2012.

Parking and Driving on Campus:

• Parking in the Bidstrup Hall parking lot and along the grassy area next to the back of the 600 Building is no longer available since these are now part of the fenced-off construction area.
• Extra security will be assigned to the main parking lots at the beginning of spring 2012 semester to help keep traffic flowing.

Entry and Exit from Buildings:

• Those entering the 600 Building will have to use entrances other than the back entrance facing Route 6. Those who wish to exit through this door will only be able to go left due to the temporary construction fencing.
• All other buildings are unaffected.

Other Project Details and Miscellaneous Facts:

• A ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the new building is tentatively planned for fall semester 2013.
• December 6, 2011 marks the official start date of Phase II construction.
• The construction schedule for state projects is based on the contract signing date. The contractor must start the project within days of the contract signing.
• The construction site is a restricted area where hard hats are required.

Campus Expansion Update: July 2, 2012

We are officially in the second phase of a multi-phase campus expansion project, with completion of Phase II expected in summer 2013. The project will expand the campus to 292,000 square feet.

Phase II

Phase II will include construction of a three-story, 56,000-square-foot classroom building which will extend from the 600 Building and add approximately 19 classrooms to campus while making room for future office space.

Currently: The construction project is on schedule. The north entrance to campus (closest to Route 6) is now under construction. When completed, the drive will be right turn only for those exiting campus. The north entrance is expected to reopen the week of July 9.

A quarter of the steel structure for the new building is up, and the roof decking has been installed.

The Continuing Education Office has been moved from Room 326 to Founders Hall to make way for a new walkway that has been started. The walkway will provide another passage from the courtyard to the 600 Building.

The south entrance off 177 has been widened to accommodate a new traffic signal. The traffic light will be installed by mid-August.

Parking and Driving on Campus:

• Parking in the Bidstrup Hall parking lot and along the grassy area next to the back of the 600 Building is no longer available since these are now part of the fenced-off construction area.
• Extra security will be assigned to the main parking lots at the beginning of spring 2012 semester to help keep traffic flowing.

Entry and Exit from Buildings:

• Those entering the 600 Building will have to use entrances other than the back entrance facing Route 6. Those who wish to exit through this door will only be able to go left due to the temporary construction fencing.
• All other buildings are unaffected.

Other Project Details and Miscellaneous Facts:

• A ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the new building is tentatively planned for fall semester 2013.
• December 6, 2011 marks the official start date of Phase II construction.
• The construction schedule for state projects is based on the contract signing date. The contractor must start the project within days of the contract signing.
• The construction site is a restricted area where hard hats are required.

Campus Expansion Update: August 10, 2012

As of Dec. 6, 2011, we are officially in the second phase of a multi-phase campus expansion project, with completion of Phase II expected in summer 2013. The project will expand the campus to 292,000 square feet.

Phase II

Phase II will include construction of a three-story, 56,000-square-foot classroom building which will extend from the 600 Building and add approximately 19 classrooms to campus while making room for future office space.

Currently: The construction project is on schedule. Construction of the north entrance to campus (closest to Route 6) is now complete, and is right turn only for those exiting campus. The south entrance off Route 177 has been widened to accommodate a new traffic signal, which will be installed August 17.

The steel structure for the new building is 99% complete and was topped off on August 3. Roof decking has been installed. HVAC and electrical work have started. Masonry of mechanical rooms has also begun.

A walkway is under construction which will provide another passage from the courtyard to buildings on the south side of campus.

Parking, Driving and Getting Around Campus:

The Continuing Education Office moved from Room 326 to Founders Hall to make way for a new walkway which is in progress.

• Parking in the Bidstrup Hall parking lot and along the grassy area next to the back of the 600 Building is no longer available since these are now part of the fenced-off construction area.
• Extra security will be assigned to the main parking lots at the beginning of fall 2012 semester to help keep traffic flowing.

Entry and Exit from Buildings:

• Those entering the 600 Building will have to use entrances other than the back entrance facing Route 6. Those who wish to exit through this door will only be able to go left due to the temporary construction fencing.
• All other buildings are unaffected.

Other Project Details and Miscellaneous Facts:

• A ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the new building is tentatively planned for fall semester 2013.
• December 6, 2011 marks the official start date of Phase II construction.
• The construction schedule for state projects is based on the contract signing date. The contractor must start the project within days of the contract signing.
• The construction site is a restricted area where hard hats are required.

Campus Expansion Update: September 14, 2012

As of Dec. 6, 2011, we are officially in the second phase of a multi-phase campus expansion project, with completion of Phase II expected in summer 2013. The project will expand the campus to 292,000 square feet.

Phase II

Phase II includes construction of a three-story, 56,000-square-foot classroom building which extends from the 600 Building and will add approximately 19 classrooms to campus while making room for future office space.

Currently: The construction project remains on schedule.

Roof work is in progress, and exterior brick installation began on 9/14.

Metal stud walls are in the process of going up on the second and third floors. Layouts for the restrooms have also been started.

Interior stairwells will be installed the week of 9/17.

As part of requirements to meet LEED certification standards, tanks have been installed in the basement for rainwater harvesting. When completed, rainwater collected from the roof will be directed to restroom toilets.

A walkway is under construction which will provide another passage from the courtyard to buildings on the south side of campus.

Parking, Driving and Getting Around Campus:

• The Continuing Education Office moved from Room 326 to Founders Hall to make way for a new walkway which is in progress.
• Construction of the north entrance to campus (closest to Route 6) is complete, and is right turn only for those exiting campus. The south entrance off Route 177 has been widened to accommodate a new traffic signal, which was installed in August.
• Parking in the Bidstrup Hall parking lot and along the grassy area next to the back of the 600 Building is no longer available since these are now part of the fenced-off construction area.
• Extra security will be assigned to the main parking lots at the beginning of fall 2012 semester to help keep traffic flowing.

Entry and Exit from Buildings:

• Those entering the 600 Building will have to use entrances other than the back entrance facing Route 6. Those who wish to exit through this door will only be able to go left due to the temporary construction fencing.
• All other buildings are unaffected.

Other Project Details and Miscellaneous Facts:

• In compliance with CT statute for new state buildings, Tunxis is meeting the LEED point certification process. At the end of the project, the building will at least meet the LEED silver standard.
• A ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the new building is tentatively planned for fall semester 2013.
• The steel structure was topped off on August 3, 2012.
• December 6, 2011 marks the official start date of Phase II construction.
• The construction schedule for state projects is based on the contract signing date. The contractor must start the project within days of the contract signing.
• The construction site is a restricted area where hard hats are required.

Campus Expansion Update: December 13, 2012

We are officially in the second phase of a multi-phase campus expansion project, with completion of Phase II expected in summer 2013. The project will expand the campus to 292,000 square feet.

Phase II

Phase II includes construction of a three-story, 56,000-square-foot classroom building which extends from the 600 Building and will add approximately 20 classrooms to campus while making room for future office space.

Currently: Construction remains on schedule, and as of November 2012, the project is 69% complete.

Work has been completed to make the building weather-tight so that interior work can continue throughout the winter. Exterior brick installation is 95% complete, and roof work is 30% complete. Electrical work is 70% complete.

Interior stairwells have been installed.Metal studs are up, and sheet rock will follow. Exterior windows are scheduled to be installed in January.

College officials are looking into the possibility of architectural design work for the third floor of the building.

As part of requirements to meet LEED certification standards, tanks have been installed in the basement for rainwater harvesting. When completed, rainwater collected from the roof will be directed to restroom toilets.

A walkway is under construction which will provide another passage from the courtyard to buildings on the south side of campus.

Parking, Driving and Getting Around Campus:

• The Continuing Education Office moved from Room 326 to Founders Hall to make way for a new walkway which is in progress.
• Construction of the north entrance to campus (closest to Route 6) is complete, and is right turn only for those exiting campus. The south entrance off Route 177 has been widened to accommodate a new traffic signal, which was installed in August.
• Parking in the Bidstrup Hall parking lot and along the grassy area next to the back of the 600 Building is no longer available since these are now part of the fenced-off construction area.
• Extra security will be assigned to the main parking lots at the beginning of fall 2012 semester to help keep traffic flowing.

Entry and Exit from Buildings:

• Those entering the 600 Building will have to use entrances other than the back entrance facing Route 6. Those who wish to exit through this door will only be able to go left due to the temporary construction fencing.
• All other buildings are unaffected.

Other Project Details and Miscellaneous Facts:

• In compliance with CT statute for new state buildings, Tunxis is meeting the LEED point certification process. At the end of the project, the building will at least meet the LEED silver standard.
• A ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the new building is tentatively planned for fall semester 2013.
• The steel structure was topped off on August 3, 2012.
• December 6, 2011 marks the official start date of Phase II construction.
• The construction schedule for state projects is based on the contract signing date. The contractor must start the project within days of the contract signing.
• The construction site is a restricted area where hard hats are required.

Campus Expansion Update: March 22, 2013

We are officially in the second phase of a multi-phase campus expansion project, with completion of Phase II expected in summer 2013. The project will expand the campus to 292,000 square feet.

Tunxis Students: Participate in the Art Installation and Become a Part of Tunxis History!

“Passing Through,” a public art project for the Phase II construction new building, includes installation of life-sized stainless steel silhouettes of human figures on the walls of the new building. The theme is of people engaged in a trek and is intended as a metaphor for the educational journey. Tunxis students will model for the silhouettes, so the project will represent a snapshot in the history of the College at the time when the expansion was completed. Students who participate in this project will receive a stipend of $250 and have their silhouettes immortalized on the wall of the new building.

To be considered for this project, you must be a current Tunxis student. You’ll need to submit a written response explaining your journey to Tunxis—the significant circumstances and events that led you to Tunxis Community College, and the ways in which Tunxis has affected your life. We hope to represent diverse stories and backgrounds. Approximately 30 to 40 students, selected on the basis of their essays, will then model for the silhouettes and become part of this permanent wall installation. The essays will become part of a website associated with the project. Interested students should email their essay (prior to send of the semester) or questions to Brad Guarino, the artist, at [email protected].

The artwork project is required by a Connecticut law that requires “not less than 1% of the cost of construction or substantial renovation of publicly accessible state buildings be allocated for the commission or purchase of artworks for that building.”

Phase II

Phase II includes construction of a three-story, 56,000-square-foot classroom building which extends from the 600 Building and will add approximately 20 classrooms to campus while making room for future office space.

Currently: Construction remains on schedule, and as of March 2013, the project is 77% complete.

Exterior brick installation is 95% complete, and roof work is nearing completion. Exterior window installation and electrical work are 80% complete.

Sheet rock installation is 90% complete and ceiling grid has been installed. Classroom and exterior hallway walls are currently being painted. Tile floor installation of bathrooms is in progress.

Cabling for computer networks will start during the end of March.

A bid was advertised for furniture. Furnishings are expected to be delivered in mid-July.

As part of requirements to meet LEED certification standards, tanks have been installed in the basement for rainwater harvesting. When completed, rainwater collected from the roof will be directed to restroom toilets.

A walkway is under construction which will provide another passage from the courtyard to buildings on the south side of campus.

Parking, Driving and Getting Around Campus:

• The Continuing Education Office moved from Room 326 to Founders Hall to make way for a new walkway which is in progress.
• Construction of the north entrance to campus (closest to Route 6) is complete, and is right turn only for those exiting campus. The south entrance off Route 177 has been widened to accommodate a new traffic signal, which was installed in August.
• Parking in the Bidstrup Hall parking lot and along the grassy area next to the back of the 600 Building is no longer available since these are now part of the fenced-off construction area.
• Extra security will be assigned to the main parking lots at the beginning of fall 2012 semester to help keep traffic flowing.

Entry and Exit from Buildings:

• Those entering the 600 Building will have to use entrances other than the back entrance facing Route 6. Those who wish to exit through this door will only be able to go left due to the temporary construction fencing.
• All other buildings are unaffected.

Other Project Details and Miscellaneous Facts:

• In compliance with CT statute for new state buildings, Tunxis is meeting the LEED point certification process. At the end of the project, the building will at least meet the LEED silver standard.
• A ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the new building is tentatively planned for fall semester 2013.
• The steel structure was topped off on August 3, 2012.
• December 6, 2011 marks the official start date of Phase II construction.
• The construction schedule for state projects is based on the contract signing date. The contractor must start the project within days of the contract signing.
• The construction site is a restricted area where hard hats are required.

Campus Expansion Update: July 29, 2013

We are almost finished with the second phase of a multi-phase campus expansion project, with completion of Phase II expected in early August 2013. The project will expand the campus to 292,000 square feet.

Phase II

Phase II includes construction of a three-story, 56,000-square-foot classroom building which extends from the 600 Building and adds 20 classrooms to campus while making room for future office and meeting space.

Currently: Tunxis is working on the punch list for the building. Final construction remains on schedule, and as of July 29, 2013, the project is almost complete. The building is expected to be turned over by or before August 9.

Finishing touches are in progress on the restrooms. All other interior work has been completed. Furniture has been delivered and 95% has been installed.

Exterior building work has been finished. The majority of landscaping has been completed, and paving will take place August 14-15.

A walkway has been completed which provides another passage from the courtyard to buildings on the south side of campus.

Art Installation

“Passing Through,” a public art project for Phase II construction, includes life-sized stainless steel silhouettes of Tunxis students. The theme is of people engaged in a trek and is intended as a metaphor for the educational journey. Students with diverse stories and backgrounds modeled for the silhouettes. Their essays will become part of a website associated with the project.

The artwork, which will be installed in January 2014, is required by a Connecticut law that requires “not less than 1% of the cost of construction or substantial renovation of publicly accessible state buildings be allocated for the commission or purchase of artworks for that building.”

Parking, Driving and Getting Around Campus:

• The Continuing Education Office moved from Room 326 to Founders Hall to make way for a new walkway which is in progress.
• Construction of the north entrance to campus (closest to Route 6) is complete, and is right turn only for those exiting campus. The south entrance off Route 177 has been widened to accommodate a new traffic signal, which was installed in August.
• Parking in the Bidstrup Hall parking lot and along the grassy area next to the back of the 600 Building is no longer available since these are now part of the fenced-off construction area.
• Extra security will be assigned to the main parking lots at the beginning of fall 2012 semester to help keep traffic flowing.

Entry and Exit from Buildings:

• Those entering the 600 Building will have to use entrances other than the back entrance facing Route 6. Those who wish to exit through this door will only be able to go left due to the temporary construction fencing.
• All other buildings are unaffected.

Other Project Details and Miscellaneous Facts:

• In compliance with Connecticut statute for new state buildings, the 600 Classroom Building Extension is a certified LEED (Leadership, Energy, Environmental Design) green building. Among the features are a 4,500 gallon storage tank for rainwater harvesting to service restrooms, motion sensor lighting, building products made of recycled materials, and a building design that makes efficient use of natural light. At the end of the project, the building will at least meet the LEED silver standard.
• A Grand Opening (open house) to celebrate the new building extension is scheduled for August 22, 4-7 p.m.
• The steel structure was topped off on August 3, 2012.
• December 6, 2011 marks the official start date of Phase II construction.
• The construction schedule for state projects is based on the contract signing date. The contractor must start the project within days of the contract signing.
• The construction site is a restricted area where hard hats are required.

Phase II Complete!

We celebrated the second phase of a multi-phase campus expansion project with the Grand Opening of our 600 Classroom Building Extension on August 22. The project expands the campus to 292,000 square feet.

Phase II

Phase II included construction of a three-story, 56,000-square-foot classroom building which extends from the 600 Building and adds 20 classrooms to campus while making room for future office and meeting space. In the future, the third floor will be finished for college offices and meeting space.

Art Installation

“Passing Through,” a public art project for Phase II construction, includes life-sized stainless steel silhouettes of Tunxis students. The theme is of people engaged in a trek and is intended as a metaphor for the educational journey. Students with diverse stories and backgrounds modeled for the silhouettes. Their essays will become part of a website associated with the project.

The artwork, which will be installed in January 2014, is required by a Connecticut law that requires “not less than 1% of the cost of construction or substantial renovation of publicly accessible state buildings be allocated for the commission or purchase of artworks for that building.”

Other Project Details and Miscellaneous Facts:

• In compliance with Connecticut statute for new state buildings, the 600 Classroom Building Extension is a certified LEED (Leadership, Energy, Environmental Design) green building. Among the features are a 4,500 gallon storage tank for rainwater harvesting to service restrooms, motion sensor lighting, building products made of recycled materials, and a building design that makes efficient use of natural light.
• December 6, 2011 marks the official start date of Phase II construction.
• The steel structure was topped off on August 3, 2012.
• The project was completed August 18, 2013.
• The construction schedule for state projects is based on the contract signing date. The contractor must start the project within days of the contract signing.
• The construction site is a restricted area where hard hats are required.

Phase I Expansion Blog

Phase I, Interactive Visual History

Phase I Updates

3/26/08 Dedication of New Wallace Barnes and Barbara Hackman Franklin Art Gallery
3/3/08 Governor Rell Joins Tunxis for Ribbon Cutting Celebration
12/18/2006 Roofing and Indoor Wall Supports – coming soon
11/29/2006 Cyber Cafe Under Construction – coming soon
9/28/2006 “Topping Out” Ceremony
5/15/2006 Governor Rell and State and Local Officials Join Tunxis to Celebrate Expansion at Groundbreaking Ceremony
5/9/2006 Groundbreaking Celebrates Library and Classroom Building
6/28/2006 Dramatic Steel Work Under Way
1/24/2006 Phase 1 TCC Expansion

Phase I Photo Gallery