The Collins College of Hospitality Management will hold a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday for its $10 million facilities expansion.
The expansion includes two new buildings, totaling 15,000 square feet, which will accommodate the college's growing student body. In keeping with the university's Climate Commitment, the buildings are being designed to achieve LEED Gold certification.
In addition to more classrooms and faculty workspace, the project will create a home for the college's 3-year-old graduate program and a social space for students. Classrooms will utilize cutting-edge technology and "flex" furniture designed to adapt to evolving needs. The project was designed by Ontario-based HMC Architects. Gilbane Building Co. is the project's construction management at-risk firm.
The buildings will include:
- flex classrooms
- spacious student commons
- faculty offices
- group study rooms
- executive director offices for graduate education and professional development
- a conference room
The Collins College's expansion is fully funded by private donations from longtime supporters of the college, including namesakes Carol and Jim Collins, who pledged to match $5 million toward the project. Together, Panda Restaurant Group founders Andrew and Peggy Cherng, The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, prominent Inland Empire businessman Eugene Park, and Richard N. Frank and his late wife Mary Alice, donated the other $5 million.
Fundraising efforts are ongoing to raise an additional $1 million to furnish, equip and maintain the expansion. There are numerous naming opportunities and a donor recognition wall that range from $250 to $250,000. For more information, visit https://collins.cpp.edu.>
The groundbreaking ceremony will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., Thursday. Construction is expected to begin in December, with the new buildings opening in summer 2015.
(Top photo: A walkway will be located between the new buildings and the Building 79A. Bottom photo: Outdoor seating with expansive views of the valley will be provided in the courtyard.)