Construction of new Culinary Arts Building at HCC Central to begin in 2015
Dec 18, 2014
One of the most popular programs offered by HCC Central is finally coming home.
The culinary arts program, which has produced numerous locally and nationally recognized chefs, entrepreneurs and restaurateurs, will move from its current location at 3100 Main to occupy its own building on the campus of HCC Central.
The building will be constructed as a "shell" that will be finished out over time and as finances permit. District authorities have earmarked $5.8 million dollars from the HCC Groundbreaker Bond Program to begin the project. If all goes as planned, construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2015.
The new culinary arts building will be constructed on Parking Lot 10 at HCC Central, which is adjacent to the college's five-story parking garage and is bounded by Alabama, La Branch, Winbern and Austin streets.
The building will be two stories tall and will comprise 38,000 square feet. It will contain professional kitchens and demonstration areas. Approximately 50 parking spaces will remain on lot 10 for culinary arts faculty and staff. An outdoor dining area also is planned.
The college offers both culinary arts and pastry arts programs. The affordable tuition, highly accomplished staff and excellent reputation make classes fill quickly each semester.
The construction of a new culinary arts building on campus represents more than a year of lengthy and intense planning sessions, meetings, presentations by faculty, staff and students, and data and reports showing the potential growth of the program.
Previously, district authorities considered the idea of in-filling the open parking area below the J. D. Boney Building on Holman Street as a new home for the culinary arts program. The idea was ruled out because that college building was not deemed appropriate for long-term use and planning. Also under consideration was an expansion to the program's current location at 3100 Main, but space in the building is limited.
"They (district facilities authorities) decided to build the culinary arts building as a shell so the program can grow," says Dr. William Harmon, HCC Central president.
"The chancellor listened," says Dr. Kathleen Fleming, executive director of Administrative Services at HCC Central. "It is a triumph."
For more information about the Culinary Arts Program at HCC, go to www.hccs.edu.