Planners show campus design

Expected to have five buildings, greenways and ample parking, local architectural firm Corley Redfoot Zack Inc. has developed a rough plan for Durham Technical Community College's new satellite campus in Hillsborough.

But the Orange County Board of Commissioners wants to make sure that vision will be environmentally friendly and energy efficient.

"These buildings have to follow our principles," said Commissioner Alice Gordon.

The satellite campus, to be located off N.C. 86, is expected to be open in August 2007.

"It'll bring more opportunities for people to advance their education or retrain for jobs that are specific for Orange County employers or just North Carolina in general," said Commissioner Barry Jacobs.

Barbara Baker, vice president for student support services at the college, said the number of students the new campus will serve is hard to predict now, but she expects up to 1,800 in the first year.

Approximately 22 to 25 percent of the college's students are now Orange County residents.

Construction on the campus is slated to begin in June 2006.

The first building to be completed will house, among other things, general-use classrooms, laboratories and "flex space" to be used for industries new to the county wanting to train employees.

The flex space will have vehicular access, and there will be space for between 500 and 700 vehicles.

"There is a possibility of introducing a gravel lot as an overflow parking lot," said architect Ken Redfoot.

But one concern the commissioners addressed was the need to encourage public transit use.

"We've still got maximum parking," Jacobs said. "I'd like to see us cut down on parking."

Redfoot said planners are looking at two sites for possible bus stops.

"It's yet to be determined the number or the actual locations of these stops," he added.

Along with trying to keep the campus "green," commissioners discussed the need to conserve energy, especially considering that Orange County will be responsible for maintaining the building.

"Is there going to be anything educational about this building in how it runs?" Commissioner Stephen Halkiotis asked.

He added that energy-saving techniques could be used to help train employees.

"We need to live our principles and not build a building that does not promote them," Jacobs said.

As one possible way to conserve energy, commissioners suggested the windows be operable.

"I'm really distressed with the idea that the windows don't open," Jacobs said.

Baker said the main campus wastes a lot of energy because the windows are left open, but the college is willing to consider installing windows that open.

 

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