For more than two years, MCC-PV has been planning and constructing a new "safe" building on campus, generally for educational use, but also to serve as a community refuge in case of a tornado.

"It is...built to withstand a Category Five tornado," said Jon Hopkins, Penn Valley maintenance supervisor.

When completed later this month, the building will contain approximately 18,700 usable square feet and will have cost $7 million dollars. Half of that bill is paid by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, matching the other half to be absorbed by Penn Valley.

Inside Construction

Wes Penrose, Superintendant of Facility Services, said, "The construction of the FEMA building has been over two years in the making, mainly because MCC-PV was required to apply to grant programs with FEMA and its Missouri counterpart."

Asked if the construction of this building will affect student tuition, books, and fees, Penrose said, "I don’t think it will. I believe the cost that the school absorbs will come from existing funds." Thomas Walker, Penn Valley Dean of Administrative Affairs, later confirmed: "That is correct. That would have no impact on student tuition." The design has four components. Primarily, students will attend classes there. There are three small classrooms and another large room that can be divided by a sliding partition, to separate into two more classrooms.

In addition there is a large area for students to hang out, and an auditorium that seats 300. In contrast to MCC-PV’s Little Theater (ST101), the auditorium in the FEMA building will have a flat floor so it can be used for something other than assemblies, such as a dance.

Otherwise, "the construction of the building was based on square footage and student population," said Hopkins.

As construction continues, a generator and special FEMA doors will be added. Steve Elmer, J.E.Dunn's construction supervisor said, “In the case of a real tornado, the alarm will go off and the doors will automatically close, thereby securing anyone who may be inside from the outside. Once inside you are totally encased in concrete, it is about like a bomb shelter."

Model of Finished Building

Elmer continued, "With the installation of a generator, the building will be self-sufficient. If power were lost, the generator will automatically kick in."

Over the next few weeks other fixtures will be installed on the top of the building. Hopkins said, "Basically it will be a big yard up here. There will be benches and trees. Hand rails will be installed and you will be able to look down on the sidewalk area below."

The new building will be dedicated December 20, and ready for use in January.

Copyright 2007 Metropolitan Community College