Phase II: Transportation & Emerging Technologies Bonding Request
2014 Request: $7.586 million
Classroom, lab and shop areas for programs in the DCTC Transportation & Emerging Technologies areas required extensive renovation to modernize and improve workspace for students, improve space utilization and eliminate redundancies in specialized equipment. These areas were largely untouched since originally construction in 1970.
Project at a Glance
- Two-phase renovation project impacted 118,000 square feet of classroom, lab and shop space used by the transportation and emerging programs.
- Phase II renovated the remaining 63,000 square feet of the project space; Phase I renovated 55,000 square feet of teaching and learning space in 2013.
- Renovation will advance DCTC's science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) initiatives.
- Project eliminated more than $3.5 million in deferred maintenance.
Impact to the Classrooms and College
- 63,000 square feet of space were right-sized, reorganized and modernized for the first time since 1973.
- Improvements significantly reduced the Facilities Condition Index from .29 to .22 and reduce energy consumption by 20-30 percent.
- Common instructional spaces were created among multiple programs, eliminating specialized equipment redundancies while improving space utilization and efficiency.
Impact on Workforce, Community and State
"For many students, the choice to pursue an associate's degree may lead to a greater financial return, as associate's degree programs may commonly be completed in just two years. On the contrary, bachelor's degrees typically require four years of study; therefore, an associate's degree can sometimes cost $80,000 less than a bachelor's program. As an associate's degree can be completed in a shorter period of time, leading to a decreased tuition and coursework cost, associate's degrees can provide many students with realistic educational pathways to accommodate unique financial, scheduling, and other various personal constraints."
(Community College Review, June 2017)
"STEM workers are in fierce demand and not just in the global epicenter of high tech known as Silicon Valley. According to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics analysis, STEM—science, technology, engineering and math—professions grew at over twice the rate as non-STEM workers did between 2009 and 2015. And most types of STEM jobs will expand faster than all occupations until 2024."
(WalletHub, January 2018)
"Minneapolis metro #5 in nation for STEM careers."
(ABC Eyewitness News, January 2018)
| Job Growth of Programs Impacted by Phase I & Phase II of Project |
% Growth in MN* |
Median Hourly Wage - MN* |
| Transportation Careers |
| Automotive Service Technicians |
2% |
$19.12 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics |
11.9%1 |
$23.442 |
| Heavy Equipment Mechanics |
2.8% |
$27.131 |
| Auto Body Repairers |
5.6%3 |
$21.721 |
| Emerging Technologies Careers |
| Nanotechnology Technicians |
2.3% |
$27.971 |
| Civil Engineering Technicians |
3% |
$29.671 |
| Technical Careers |
| Welder |
0.9% |
$20.441 |
Project Tour: Key Areas Impacted by Phase II
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1. Additional Science Lab
- New lab space reinforces identity for DCTC's nanoscience program.
- Updates will provide a state-of-the-art lab facility to students fulfilling general education science requirements or in STEM programs.
1. Additional Science Lab | After
- New lab space reinforces identity for DCTC's nanoscience program.
- Updates will provide a state-of-the-art lab facility to students fulfilling general education science requirements or in STEM programs.
2. Central Commons | Before
- New lighting and fixtures to improve visibility and create a more welcoming and useable space.
- New upper level walkway.
- New furnishings and finishes will create a more functional student environment.
2. Central Commons | After
- New lighting and fixtures to improve visibility and create a more welcoming and useable space.
- New upper level walkway.
- New furnishings and finishes will create a more functional student environment.
3. Heavy Duty Truck Technology | Before
- New overhead engine exhaust system and improved ventilation.
- Improved electrical service.
- Increased flexibility and shared space with Heavy Construction Equipment Technology.
- Relocated vehicle maintenance bay.
3. Heavy Duty Truck Technology | After
- New overhead engine exhaust system and improved ventilation.
- Improved electrical service.
- Increased flexibility and shared space with Heavy Construction Equipment Technology.
- Relocated vehicle maintenance bay.
4. Heavy Construction Equipment Technology | Before
- Expanded overhead engine exhaust system and improved ventilation.
- Classrooms and office space related to cored areas.
- Increased flexibility and shared space with the shop and lab areas of Heavy Duty Truck Technology.
4. Heavy Construction Equipment Technology | After
- Expanded overhead engine exhaust system and improved ventilation.
- Classrooms and office space related to cored areas.
- Increased flexibility and shared space with the shop and lab areas of Heavy Duty Truck Technology.
5. Restrooms | Before
- ADA compliant and improved layout.
- Updated finishes and fixtures.
- Improved ventilation and lighting.
5. Restrooms | After
- ADA compliant and improved layout.
- Updated finishes and fixtures.
- Improved ventilation and lighting.
6. Relocation & Collaboration with ISD 917 | Before
- ISD 917’s Truck program will be relocated to a space more centralized to the district’s other technical programs.
- Reallocation, sharing and efficiencies of the improved space will expand partnerships, collaboration and educational opportunities between DCTC and ISD 917.
- Improved ventilation and electrical service.
6. Relocation & Collaboration with ISD 917 | After
- ISD 917’s Truck program will be relocated to a space more centralized to the district’s other technical programs.
- Reallocation, sharing and efficiencies of the improved space will expand partnerships, collaboration and educational opportunities between DCTC and ISD 917.
- Improved ventilation and electrical service.
For more information about the Transportation & Emerging Technologies Bonding Project, contact:
Michael Berndt
