Plans for the School of Media Arts building, that the Board of Trustees called stunning and impressive, were released last month with construction planned for June 2008.
Superintendent-President John Romo said he is eager at the prospect of bringing photography, film studies, production, graphic design, journalism and multimedia all under one roof. Those in SoMA echoed Romo’s sentiment.
“This is an extremely exciting media center,” said SoMA Director Guy Smith.
“It will allow now-separated departments to cross fertilize and take advantage of multiple forms of media.”
The plans drafted by Kruger, Bensen and Ziemer architects, the team that designed the Business Communication Forum building, Jerkowitz Theatre and the Campus Bookstore, were presented to the trustees in a study session Sept. 13.
State funding reached $2.8 million for the building’s initial drawings. A rough estimate for the total cost of the building is $28 million, approved by the state, plus an additional $10 million to $12 million for the capital campaign, said Joe Sullivan, vice president of business services.
He stressed that the dollar amounts were estimates, adding the price of steel and cement have increased 30 percent in the last year.
The 62,000 square foot media center boasts a state-of-the-art sound stage, television studio, two photography labs: one using natural light the other artificial, and a full-size movie theater.
The building’s surrounding area includes a water fountain, intricate landscaping, and an outdoor movie screen. The architects also included student hangout areas.
The building will be located next to Student Services, which means Security, Study Abroad and faculty offices will need to be relocated.
With over 700 students enrolled in SoMA classes, Smith said the program has outgrown its current facility. Students are already awaiting the building.
“It’s very impressive,” said Derek Diaz, a multimedia student. “I am very excited.”
Smith says excitement will only increase as ground breaking nears.
“I expect a buzz around this project to increase significantly over the next six to 12 months,” Smith said. “We’re going to have the best program from Los Angeles to San Francisco.”
Two hot-button issues concerning SoMA are being debated across campus.
The California Coastal Commission requires the building have an attached parking garage.
Romo said he plans to appeal the commission’s demand in a meeting this month. He did say, however, that a new garage somewhere on campus is a definite.
Also, in the coming months the college will decide on whether to make SoMA a “green” building. The green label is determined by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED certification.
The building requires 15 out of 26 LEED points to qualify. The certification has an estimated $860,000 price tag.
“I think for the taxpayers’ money to get a piece of paper isn’t worth it,” said Trustee Joan Livingston.
Yet student sustainability cofounder Shawn Jacobson would like to see City College go green.
“The LEED certification ensures that [the college] followed necessary procedures,” he said. “It’s going to be bragging rights if they can prove it with the paper work.”
Working plans are set for Nov. 2005 through June 2006. Construction will run from June 2007 through Aug. 2008. Visit www.thechannelsonline.com for video clips of the media building and still shots.
