College of the Mainland Breaks Ground on New Library & Learning Center as Part of $250 Million Campus Expansion

By LAN Staff

College of the Mainland (COM) marked a major milestone in its $250 million campus expansion program with a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Library & Learning Center on May 1, 2025.

The new facility is a cornerstone of COM’s 2023 bond program, designed to support the region’s growing educational and workforce needs. Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc. (LAN), a nationally recognized program management firm, is managing the bond program on behalf of the college.

Scheduled for completion in June 2027, the Library & Learning Center will include a dedicated library space, two community engagement rooms, flexible classrooms, computer labs, a tiered auditorium and areas for student collaboration and faculty support. Envisioned as a central hub for learning, innovation and community connection, the center will serve both the college and the surrounding community.

The overall expansion program includes three new academic buildings, a new support facility, major infrastructure upgrades and renovations across campus. Several aging structures, such as the current Learning Resource Center and college services building, will be demolished to make way for these improvements.

LAN is managing all phases of the program, supporting efforts to keep projects on schedule and within budget. In addition to overseeing new construction, the firm is coordinating renovations to existing facilities and modernizing campus infrastructure.

The bond program was developed to meet the region’s rising demand for skilled workers in key industries. By investing in state-of-the-art facilities, COM continues to play a vital role in preparing students for careers in fields like maritime, hospitality, aerospace and logistics.

“This project will create modern, flexible learning environments that meet the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce,” said JP Grom, business group director and vice president at LAN. “We’re honored to partner with College of the Mainland to bring this vision to life.”