$34 million authorized for original river campus

By Francés Matteck/editor-in-chief

The TCC Board of Trustees voted Feb. 19 for new construction on SE Campus and more money toward completion of the unfinished downtown campus.

Board members approved funds for a new classroom wing on SE Campus to provide needed space for growth.

Enrollment this semester has exceeded the campus’ capacity more than twice over. The building will create about 28 classrooms and 24 offices for faculty.

The board also authorized an additional $34.4 million to continue work on the original downtown campus property.

Dr. Gwen Morrison crafted the motion passed in a 4-to-3 vote to release the funds and openly stated her goal for the district to complete the original downtown campus designs.

The board is still weighing options for the future of the campus.

Huffines Communities has consulted for the district on the property’s future possibilities and presented options for the original campus and each option’s cost.

Robert Kembel, president of Huffines, discussed three prospects for the property.

Scenario A was to spend more than $43 million to complete the shell of the original design. This would bring the total spent on the project to $142.2 million.

Scenario B was to complete the shell with temporary air conditioning. The board must authorize $46 million for this option, bringing the total spent on the project to $145.5 million.

Scenario C was to complete the property per the original design. This option would require an additional $103 million of funds to be authorized by the board for a final total of $203 million.

The board also approved additional funds for the Trinity River Campus renovation.

NW Campus president Elva LeBlanc presented a video of the campus and its accomplishments. Each of the board members was provided with a booklet detailing the campus’ achievements in student and faculty success, promoting diversity and community outreach.

The next open meeting of the board of trustees will be 6 p.m. March 12 at the May Owen Center in downtown Fort Worth.