Sinclair’s new Health and Science Center is nearing completion and the walkways to Building 14 are now open. The $31.5 million renovation is wrapping up this fall, opening classrooms, labs and more resources to Sinclair students enrolled in any of the 49 Health Sciences degree and certificate programs.
The project was financed by using various funds that were allocated by the state as well as saved by the college. Community partners also raised funds for the center.
Another instrumental part of funding the center was the levy passed in November 2015. A promise of the levy was that the funds would be used for the construction of the center. It provided $16 million for investment in the project. This would avoid creating debt and quicken the construction process.
Bridges to and from Building 14 were closed in May of 2016, eliminating one of two sheltered pathways from campus to the parking garage. These bridges are now open to foot traffic, making the journey to class more convenient.
The renovation added 59,000 square feet to the existing building 14, making its total size 141,000 square feet. This nearly doubles its size.
Classrooms are marked with room numbers and designated as clinics, lecture halls and simulation labs.
The carpeted halls on the third floor project the feeling of a real doctor’s office and many of the classrooms have hospital beds or dentist’s chairs in them. Alongside classrooms are numerous simulation labs.
Classrooms are individually designated for programs such as radiology, mammography, dental tech, surgical tech and respiratory care. A stated goal of Sinclair’s is to increase collaboration across all fields in health science.
Health science programs that used to be taught in 10 buildings across campus are now being consolidated under the one roof of Building 14.
Sinclair graduates from the health sciences make a median wage of $49,000. Sinclair currently has nearly 15,000 students enrolled in various stages of the health sciences program.
Between 2012 and 2016, over 5,273 Health Sciences degrees and certificates have been awarded to students.
Sinclair Board of Trustees Chair Rob Connelly shared his thoughts on the project.
“Sinclair is dedicated to finding and meeting the needs of this community and a great coming need in this community will be in the healthcare sector,” Connelly said.
“This project will allow Sinclair to meet the emerging needs in healthcare and position our graduates well in vitally needed fields. Thanks to the approach Sinclair has taken in working with faculty and industry partners in this project, our students will have the skills they need to compete in a greatly changing healthcare marketplace.”
A Community Open House for the Health and Science Center is scheduled to happen at 1p.m.-4 p.m. on October 7.
Tours will be available then as well as program information, meet and greets with program faculty, wellness screenings, refreshments and activities for children.
Will Drewing
Reporter