We had to replace the original buildings Life Science and Physical Science buildings with the new Humanities and Science Buildings due to restrictions from the Field Act relative to earthquake safety, I know that the LS and PS buildings are an important part of CR’s rich history and instead of tearing them down, the administration would like to use the buildings for something that fills a need in the area and creates a bridge between the college and the community.

We wanted to integrate internal and external community participation in every level of decision-making related to repurposing the vacant buildings. To this end, we invited a group of business, government and non-profit leaders to campus for a series of brainstorming and visioning meetings last fall. Although the meetings generated interesting ideas for what that partnership might look like – a retirement home where nursing students could do clinical rotations, a conference center with lodging, or a STEAM center/business incubator – by the end of the sessions it was clear that CR and its potential community partners would need more information about the college’s options and limitations. .

I am happy to announce that we entered into an agreement with Greenway Partners, a project management firm based in Arcata, to sort through and build on the existing knowledge. Greenway Partners will lead the research to provide more detailed information intended to illuminate the options and limitations facing CR.

I am excited about the energy and enthusiasm that the community has brought to this process already, and look forward to seeing what Greenway Partners will add to our existing ideas. Our Board see the collaboration between the CR and Greenway as an important step forward in unlocking the potential these vacant buildings have to strengthen the partnership between CR and our community.

Taking the buildings down is not something I want to do. I remain hopeful that, with the help of Greenway, we can find a project that supports both the educational goals of the college as well as economic development in the community, has a reliable funding source to ensure longevity, is socially responsible, and is multi-use in nature.

I will share more information in the coming weeks.