College of the Mainland Breaks Ground on Public Services Center and Corporate Training Center, Key Milestones in $250 Million Bond Program

The College of the Mainland marked two major milestones in its 2023 voter-approved bond program with a groundbreaking ceremony early November in Texas City for the new Public Services Center and Corporate Training Center. These new academic buildings will expand the college’s training capabilities, provide essential space for continuing education and enhance facilities for the community and student body.

The 50,000-square-foot Public Services Center was recommended to offer an updated, dedicated training environment for law enforcement, fire protection technology and emergency medical services. This center will consolidate public service training under one roof, with new facilities including a firing range, a training tower, ample outdoor space for physical training and indoor parking to protect emergency response vehicles from severe weather.

The 20,000-square-foot Corporate Training Center will provide a professional space for workforce development programs, including maritime ship-to-shore operations, crane operations and millwrighting. The center will feature five dedicated classrooms, a virtual training room, a large meeting room and professional office spaces, keeping the main campus focused on student-centered activities while creating a distinct environment for continuing educational training.

College of the Mainland selected Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) as the program manager for the $250 million bond, which includes the construction of four new academic buildings, infrastructure upgrades and campus improvements. Key members of LAN’s program management team, include Paula Drnevich, AIA, REFP, LEED AP and C.W. Scheibe, CCM, PMP, MBA who will ensure these projects meet budget and timeline goals.

“This groundbreaking is a testament to the college’s commitment to equipping both students and professionals with top-notch facilities for skill development and career advancement,” said JP Grom, AIA, LEED AP, PMP, CCM, vice president and business group director at LAN. “We’re honored to partner with College of the Mainland to deliver a program that will positively impact both the campus and the community.”

Dr. Warren Nichols, president of College of the Mainland, expressed gratitude to the community, stating, “Our sincerest gratitude goes out to all those who support our work in propelling our students and communities forward. Voters agreed to invest in College of the Mainland, which now allows us to create innovative learning environments, provide new programs to meet workforce demands and accommodate our growing enrollment.”