New $23.4M Patton Building unveiled at Blue Ridge Community College
A new, $23.4 million state-of-the-art learning facility opened Tuesday on the Henderson County Campus of Blue Ridge Community College.
The project was funded by the Henderson County Board of Commissioners and features 78,739 square-feet of new and renovated modern educational space. Several hundred community members gathered for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Patton Building, according to a news release from BRCC.
Blue Ridge says the facility supports the work to create a competitive regional workforce while helping students achieve their professional and academic goals.
“Nearly 50 years ago, the founders of Blue Ridge Community College broke ground on the original Patton Building with the belief that education would change lives and communities,” said Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood, President of Blue Ridge Community College. “They were right, and we continue that work today.”
The original two-story building, which was built in 1973, was renovated with an addition built in front and attached to the existing building.
The Patton project was the top priority in the college’s four-year capital plan that was presented to the Henderson County Board of Commissioners in 2019. The Board approved funding the project with a 20-year loan later that year.
“The support of our valued Henderson County Board of Commissioners, elected officials, employers, and community leaders help make Blue Ridge an innovative leader in higher education and workforce development,” Leatherwood said.
BRCC officially broke ground on the Patton Building in February 2021.
“This building represents the most recent chapter in the partnership between Blue Ridge Community College and Henderson County, and it helps all of us,” said Henderson County Manager John Mitchell. “This project is the most recent evidence of the commitment that the Board has made to the economic vitality of this community.”
“You can be assured that the taxpayers of Henderson County are proud of this institution and appreciate all that you have done for us over the past 50-plus years and will continue to do into the future,” added Chairman Bill Lapsley.
Following the ceremony, guests explored the Patton Building’s interior, which features modern science laboratories and classrooms; 6,200 square-feet of flexible industrial space for training use by employers; the Student Success Center for tutoring and workshops; and the production-ready Steven D. Wyatt Auditorium.
Highlights of the new building
The Patton Building includes common areas for students to study and collaborate, and 15 multi-use classrooms outfitted with wall-sized touchscreen smart boards called Walltalkers. State-of-the-art science classrooms integrate the equipment needed for chemistry, biology, and physics lessons, according to BRCC.
The Student Success Center is placed on the first floor for students to receive academic support through peer and instructor tutoring, one-on-one and computerized instruction, and workshops.
Over 6,200 square feet of flexible industrial space called Flex Labs are specially designed to meet the training needs of new and existing manufacturing employers. The two adaptable labs are upfit with gas, water, air, and electrical connections, according to BRCC. Large bay doors can accommodate tractor trailers during loading and unloading. Adjacent workforce development classrooms and offices are available to faculty and partner staff.
The 2,048 square foot Steven D. Wyatt Auditorium features a production-ready stage and seats 105 during community events, faculty lectures, and drama department productions, according to the colle. The space also features a green room, dressing room, restrooms, and a backstage area. Blue Ridge Community College trustees named the auditorium for the former county manager, who served with Henderson County from 2006 through 2021, and was involved in $91 million of the College’s capital construction projects.
The Patton Building project followed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design system to create a sustainable project that valued and respected the natural environment throughout the building process, from planning to construction to management, according to BRCC.
This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: New $23.4M Patton Building unveiled at Blue Ridge Community College
