The cold, snowy weather this winter played a role in delaying the opening of Westmoreland County Community College’s new Latrobe Education Center.
Ground was broken on the $9.2 million two-story 30,000 square-foot building June 28, 2013. It was originally set to open in January. An additional $400,000 was spent on furniture and equipment for the building.
“Due to the weather delays, there was an extension for time and contract,” said Anna Marie Palatella, spokesperson for the Youngwood-based Westmoreland County Community College.
“We continue to wait for the contractor to complete work. There were no problems structurally.” she said.
The building is scheduled to be open in time for the start of the fall semester.
“We will move in over the summer and open for classes at the start of the fall term August 20,” Ms. Palatella said.
She said several “punch list” items are in the process of completion in order for the contractors to receive payment.
General Industries of Charleroi is the general contractor for the project.
Whitby Inc. of Uniontown is the mechanical contractor, Bronder Technical Services of Prospect is the electrical contractor, Norris Plumbing Company of State College is the plumbing contractor and Preferred Fire Protection of Pittsburgh is the fire protection contractor.
The new Latrobe Education Center will house five general classrooms; two computer classrooms; four multipurpose rooms for student and community use; a collaborative learning classroom; two student lounges; a conference room; staff office space; and labs for allied health, biology and chemistry.
Students who attend the Latrobe Education Center can work on any of the college’s 100 programs of study. It also will offer associate degree programs in business/general management and office administrator, the general studies transfer diploma, and short-term certificates in business/general management, computer technology/microcomputer support, office technology/customer service and office technology/office administration.
“On behalf of our students and the community, we really wanted to be in the building sooner,” said WCCC president Tuesday Stanley.
“We are looking forward to opening for classes this fall and are planning to hold a dedication ceremony in September,” she said.
Deana Carpenter, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
First Published: June 19, 2015, 4:00 a.m.
