On Jan. 10, 2011, students and faculty members will occupy the west and south wings of the nationally historic Old Administration Building (OAB).

“We are now completing the first phase [of the three phase plan],” said Brian Speece, Vice President of District Operations.

The cost of the project thus far has cost an estimated $55 million; $14 million more than the estimated $41 million that the district thought was needed in the beginning. The total reconstruction cost will escalate to $65 million, when the project is completed.

The original bond money for the project came from the taxpayers’ measure E bond.  Measure E gave $161 million to the district, 25 million of which was used on the OAB.  

“We were able to leverage some of the bond money to get state money to help finish some of those projects like the applied technology remodeling, student services remodeling, this way it allows us to switch some or more of the bond money to the Old Administration Building plus then we have to come up with some other local funds, foundation money and all that,” Speece said.  

“It’s pretty exciting. It’s been a very long time, I think it enhances the environment on campus,” said Tony Cantu, Vice President of Instruction.

Although classes will be offered in the building this spring, construction of the north and the east wings are yet to be completed.  “They’ll be doing indoor construction and it might be a little noisy, but nothing too bad,” said Speece

Access to the building will not be as great as when it opens permanently.  Students will be able to enter the building from all south entrances as well as an open walkway from northwest side that will be open.  

The courtyards, sidewalks, and fountain have been restored to look identical to the college’s original foundation, resembling Fresno Normal School when it first opened.

The auditorium has been completely remodeled to appear the way it used to.  It is the same kind of wood paneling and plaster surfaces.   

The seating has been updated and it does not have as many seats with only 650 compared to the 1000 it used to have.  “So if they walk in the auditorium, they’ll feel what it felt like from 1913 to 1970,” said Speece.

All the classrooms have been updated with the latest technology, featuring all new Internet and data connections as well as screen projectors and audio equipment.  

Most rooms have been updated with new ceilings.   There are two historical classrooms in the north east side of the building that have all the original acoustics with hard wood floors and hard plaster surfaces.  The reality of having these hard surfaces is that the acoustics will sound horrible as it creates a loud echo through the room.  As of now, the rooms do not have furniture, which is said to mute some of the echo.

Some of the original windows had to be replaced but most of them have the original glass because it has a wavy texture, slightly different from the new flat multi pained windows we currently occupy.

“Again, the students will get a feel for what the classrooms felt like and looked like back when it was in use prior to the remodel,” Speece said.

Donations made to the OAB have been recognized by a giant donor plaque at the entrance to the building as well as on the back of every chair in the auditorium.  

“The OAB has long stood as a symbol of excellence in education in the Valley,” said Tom Crow, SCCCD Chancellor.

Information and frequently asked questions regarding the OAB are available on www.oabalegacyrenewed.com