Calhoun Community College broke ground Wednesday on a $17 million student union building on its Decatur campus. The two-story, 29,800-square-foot facility will house student community activities, study areas, a library and a dining area with commercial kitchen.
“A space like this has been needed for a long time,” said Jimmy Hodges, president of Calhoun Community College. “The new student union building represents progress, innovation and our commitment to creating an environment where students can connect, have fun, learn and truly feel a sense of belonging on campus.”
The front entry will be comprised of a two-story glass atrium. The remaining building facades will be faced with brick and cast stone that complements neighboring facilities. The interior design will include modern finishes, technology, lighting and graphics. Outdoor areas are designed to support the user experience, providing spaces for seating and gathering.
“This new student union will transform the way we serve students,” said Kassie Matthis, vice president of student services. “For years, our students have expressed through surveys the need for a space of this magnitude, and this facility provides that and more. It fosters community, convenience and a true sense of belonging.”
Goodwyn Mills Cawood is providing the architecture, civil engineering, geotechnical engineering and landscape architecture services for the project. Additional project partners are Jackson Renfro & Associates, MW/Davis Dumas & Associates, Slaton Designworks, Tucker-Jones Engineering and Camancho Associates. Lee Builders will serve as general contractor.
