Frequently Asked Questions

El Camino College is undergoing a campus-wide modernization project. Many buildings have reached the end of their usable lifespans and renovation is not a viable option. This is the case with the former Student Services Center and Student Activities Center. After they're demolished, the vacated land will be used to construct two much-needed academic facilities: the Behavioral & Social Science Building and the Arts Complex.

 

First, construction fencing is erected around the perimeter of the demolition site. Then the process of hazardous material abatement begins, with oversight by an environmental consultant. The next step is the actual demolition, using excavators to remove the buildings in manageable-sized pieces to minimize noise and dust. Finally, the site will be graded and prepared for the future Behavioral & Social Science Building and the Arts Complex projects.

The safety of students, employees, and visitors will be the top priority during the demolition. In addition to work crews taking every possible safety precaution, it’s also vitally important that the campus community be aware of closures and detours, pay attention to posted signage, and allow extra time to navigate around the demolition zone.

 

Air quality will not be affected, as dust and debris from the construction will be carefully managed. The contractor will use large industrial misters and hoses to keep the material moist and prevent it from becoming airborne. On-site safety consultants monitor this process closely.

 

With a demolition project of this size, there is invariably a certain level of construction noise. However, the contractor will be made aware of class schedules in adjacent buildings so any particularly noisy activities can be planned accordingly.

 

Yes, the paths of travel around the project will be ADA accessible.

An ADA accessibility specialist reviewed the paths of travel around the project’s fence line to ensure the width of the sidewalk will support students and visitors with accessibility needs. The demolition project's fence line will be inside existing established pathways, with two exceptions: the demolition of the connector bridge between the old Student Services Center and the Communications Building, and the west side of the Student Activities building which will be limited to a construction sidewalk canopy to provide access to the North Gym. An alternate route to the south end of the campus will be available on the east side of the Stadium.

 

Commencement and other large events will go forward as planned, but with adjustments made to locations and paths of travel. These changes will be communicated to the campus community well in advance.

 

The offices located in the former Student Services Center have moved to the new Student Services Building on the north end of campus across from Lot C. The services housed in the former Student Activities Center have been relocated to the Manhattan Beach Blvd. modules near the Planetarium. Associated Student Organization and Inter-Club Council are located in MBBM 135. The Student Activity space occupies MBBM 137.

 

The mural has been professionally photographed and will be reproduced as a high-quality wall covering to be installed in the future Student Activities conference room.

 

It will be relocated, but a location has not yet been determined.

 

The large palm trees on the west side of the old Student Activities Center will stay as part of the new Arts Complex project. The Pool & Classroom Building and Behavioral & Social Science Building projects will include new palm trees to match the originals that remain. Also, all of the large pine trees on the east and south side of the project will remain. Unfortunately, the olive trees are diseased and will be removed. A new cherry tree “orchard” is planned for the new Behavioral & Social Science Building project.