College News

LCDI is a partnership between the state of Missouri and the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA), authorized through legislation and lawmaker support.  It reinvests a state asset to generate more than $350 million for capital improvement projects at Missouri higher education institutions.

St. Louis Community College has received approximately $4.05 million through the LCDI, and will use the funds to enhance, modernize and standardize selected biology and chemistry labs at the Florissant Valley, Forest Park and Meramec campuses.  The college is providing matching funds to support the $5 million project.  Construction is slated to begin simultaneously in April and will be completed in mid-September.

"The labs selected for renovation serve thousands of students annually who enroll in the science courses that are the foundation of our transfer education program as well as our innovative science, biotechnology, engineering, technology and allied health programs," said Zelema Harris, STLCC chancellor.  "The Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative is a positive investment in higher education throughout the state and in the future of the St. Louis region."

The project involves renovation of 15 science labs and 12 lab support spaces.  These labs have not had extensive renovations since the campuses were constructed in the 1960s. Renovations will include new finishes for walls, floors and ceilings in the labs; new casework, counters and storage cabinets; whiteboards, projects screens and audio/visual additions.  All associated mechanical, plumbing and electrical updates will be addressed, including new fume hoods, sinks, gas and electrical outlets. 

Christner Inc. will serve as the architectural consultant for the project.  S.M. Wilson will serve as the construction management consultant.

STLCC’s Board of Trustees Feb. 28 approved contracts with the following specialty contractors various phases of construction: Aalco Wrecking Co., selective demolition; C. Rallo Contracting Co. Inc., general trades; Niehaus Construction Services, metal studs, drywall and acoustical ceilings; Jos. Ward Painting Co., painting and wall covering; Interior Construction Services Ltd., flooring; Ravensberg Inc., metal laboratory casework, countertops and fume hoods; Ahern Fire Protection, fire protection systems; Feit Plumbing Co. Inc., plumbing systems; C&R Mechanical, HVAC systems; and Demand Electric, electrical systems.