Official Groundbreaking, April 12, 3 pm, Corette Library & Simperman Learning Commons
HELENA – Carroll College is announcing the official groundbreaking of Phase II of their major library and learning commons remodel. This final phase of the Corette Library & Simperman Learning Commons project involves the renovation of the main floor of the library and builds upon the work completed in 2019 which transformed the lower level of the library and learning commons into a multimedia communication center as well as added collaborative work settings, individual study spaces, and remodeled archival space.
This complete transformation of the Corette Library into a modern-day, collaborative learning center has been largely made possible through the generous philanthropic support of Roy ’62 and Frances Simperman. Carroll College has been gifted the opportunity to build a state-of-the-art facility that serves as the academic hub of campus. The Simpermans, along with the M.J. Murdock Trust and other donors, played a crucial role in making this regionally distinctive facility a reality.
"This is an exciting day for the college as we begin the final phase of our library's renovation which will create a state-of-the-art work, study, and collaboration space to complete the Simperman Learning Commons. This is possible thanks to the vision and generosity of the primary donors of this project, Roy and Frances Simperman. The college community continues to be profoundly grateful to the Simpermans for all they have done to support education here at Carroll and in Montana," said Dr. John Cech, president of Carroll College.
This final phase of the project, set to begin April 12, includes the renovation of the upper level of the Corette Library/Simperman Learning Commons. The work will create an open floor plan with collaborative study areas, learning pods that encourage teamwork and interaction, areas for learning on display, private study spaces, flexible and interchangeable classroom and/or study spaces, a redesign of the circulation front desk, staff offices and work areas, a tutoring room, a podcast studio, restroom renovations, a fireside living/study room, coffee kiosk, opportunity for a 24/7 study area, outdoor patio space, and a digital innovation center staffed by academic technology specialists. Upgrades to the technology infrastructure will also boost internet speeds and capacity. Following completion of the project, the building will also be fully ADA accessible.
Visual aesthetics and infrastructure improvements are key in providing for a safe, open, comfortable, and welcoming learning and social environment. New windows will be added and will encompass the northwest and northeast corners of the building with site lines looking directly north at the mountains and the iconic “Sleeping Giant.” A redesign of the staircase not only allows for better connectivity and integration of the two floors but will also provide for better air circulation throughout the building. Further the HVAC systems will be updated, as will the elevator. Additionally, the building will be fully sprinkled for fire suppression and technology infrastructure will be designed for and planned for the ever-changing and evolving needs of the future. The wiring and system upgrades of this renovation will in essence take Carroll’s wifi bandwidth from a “two-lane county road to a 12-lane highway,” said Cech. Further the spaces will include new lighting, carpet and paint throughout, screens and projectors, numerous power outlets, shelving to incorporate library collections and resources, electronic displays, mobile whiteboard screens, whiteboard walls, varied seating options with movable chairs and tables, lounge style seating, and other flexible seating.
Combined with the Phase I renovations to the library, these upgrades will make the Jack and Sallie Corette Library and Simperman Learning Commons a model academic library and a centerpiece of campus life. Construction is expected to be completed by February 2024.
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Join us for the Corette Library/Simperman Learning Commons Phase II Groundbreaking
WHEN: Wednesday, April 12 at 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Outside the Corette Library/Simperman Learning Commons, Carroll College
WHO: Carroll College President Dr. John Cech, Carroll administrators, and representatives from Mosaic Architecture and Dick Anderson Construction, Inc.
Architectural renderings available upon request