Macomb Community College Advanced Technology Center

Clinton Township, MI

MCC has three mission strands – education, enrichment, and economic development. The capital outlay project – specifically the renovation of the Robert E. Turner Advanced Technology Center - is directly tied to two of these. On a pragmatic level, today’s students must have a safe learning environment with technology and equipment comparable to that found in today’s workplaces. Michigan currently has a shortage of skilled workers in the technology sector, and this gap is expected to increase over the next five years. Economically, therefore, it is to the State’s benefit to ensure that learning facilities are preparing students for employment on par with projected demand.

A team led by Hobbs+Black and Peter Basso Associates was commissioned to conduct a Facilities Assessment Program Analysis for the Robert E. Turner Advanced Technology Center to identify key areas in need of renovation. Keeping in mind MCC’s goal to optimize existing spaces, the project team recommends a renovation and overhaul of the original building to bring aging infrastructure and technology capabilities up to date.

This renovation project will allow MCC to provide a first-class learning facility while creating a building space estimated to be 10-15 percent more energy efficient, which should reduce operating and maintenance costs. Proposed upgrades include LED lighting, lighting controls, insulated exterior windows, new exterior doors, low-flow plumbing fixtures, new HVAC equipment, replacement of leaking ductwork, replacement of non-functioning dampers, and calibration of equipment.

Myriad life and safety deficiencies were identified during the analysis. These include inadequate ventilation in the automotive labs, missing shunt trip devices in all labs, handrails, and guardrails that do not comply with graspability and spacing requirements, inadequate equipment clearances in labs, and a partial fire suppression system. Additionally, the following “quality of life” issues should be addressed such as: updating restrooms, creating barrier-free facilities, controlling water temperature at faucets, adding assisted listening devices in the auditorium, and changing door knobs to levers.

These examples provide a brief outline of proposed improvements to the Robert E. Turner Advanced Technology Center. The ability for MCC to continue offering classes that include the latest technology and equipment hinges on this request and the detailed renovations included.