In a 1994 purchase/donation agreement with James River Corporation, Linn-Benton Community College took ownership of the 6.03 acres surrounding the historic Elkins Grist Mill. Passage of a $19.1 million bond in 2000 allowed the college to begin construction of a 44,000-square-foot building to house the Lebanon Center and the East Linn Workforce Development Center. 

On May 31, 2001, a groundbreaking ceremony was held on the property, located at 44 Industrial Way, Lebanon. Construction began in June 2001, with project completion in March of 2002. Full operations began in April and the new facility was formally dedicated on May 31, 2002. The completed project provides modern classroom and office space for LBCC operations. 

A partnership was formed with state workforce agencies to create the one-stop center in the new building, which provides community members access to a variety of public services housed in one location. Space is leased to the state agencies, creating a revenue stream for LBCC. Along with the Lebanon Center, the center houses offices for DHS Community Human Services, the Oregon Employment Department and the Community Services Consortium

LBCC also assumed the responsibility for restoring the exterior of the historic Elkins Grist Mill located on the property. Restoration of the mill was completed in 2003.  Built between 1871 and 1878 by millwright Thomas J. Hannah, the Elkins Grist Mill, or Lebanon Flour Mill, is one of the oldest industrial buildings remaining in the Willamette Valley. The mill was operated by William and Joseph Elkins, who promoted many projects that led to the development of the Lebanon area, including the Willamette Valley and Cascade Mountain Wagon Road, the canal system, and the railroad. 

The three-story mill building is constructed of heavy timber framing with a steeply pitched gable roof. The building is clad with shiplap siding and corner boards, with vertical siding below the water table. One unique feature is its mortise and tenon construction, in which hand-hewn timbers were fit together without nails.

A 2,500 square foot "annex" was constructed next to the mill and contains two meeting rooms, kitchen, bathrooms, and small reception area for old mill visitors. The Annex is designed to be architecturally compatible with the adjacent mill. Educational displays associated with the historic mill structure are displayed in the Annex foyer. 

The old downtown Lebanon Center location was sold following the opening of the new center. The building was subsequently donated back to the college in 2004 and will be used in the future as additional classroom and meeting space.

Project budget: $5 million for construction of primary building; $300,000 for annex building; $250,000 equipment, furniture, PBX system; and $100,000 reserve for traffic related systems development charge.  
 
 

PROJECT NAME: Linn-Benton Community College East Linn Center

Reviewed/Approved: 4/2/01 

PROJECT PARAMETERS
(Completed by Capital Planning Task Force) 

PROJECT NARRATIVE: A general description of the project; to include a narrative summary of the overall purpose of the project and why it is beneficial to LBCC. 

Construction of a 44,000 square foot building on "James River" site in Lebanon. Building to house LBCC operations in Lebanon (approximately 22,000 square feet) and operations of various state agencies (approximately 22,000 square feet). Twenty-five hundred square foot "annex" will also be constructed on property; annex to contain two meeting rooms, kitchen, bathrooms, and small reception area for old mill visitors. Project, when completed, will provide modern classroom and office space for LBCC operations and allow for effective partnerships with state agencies. Space will be leased to state agencies to create revenue stream to address some of project costs. 

STAFFING PARAMETERS: Will additional staff be required when the project is completed (do not include custodial or maintenance personnel as a consideration)? 

A building manager/scheduler/facilitator will need to be employed. Cost will be borne by lease revenue stream. 

DESIGN PARAMETERS: Location, budget allocation, Principles of Universal Design, proximity considerations, art considerations, access considerations, appearance and scale considerations. 

Building to be located at north end of James River property, siting must not intrude on canal setback, and landscaping should preserve as many trees as is practical. Annex should be to east of old mill and allow for possible construction of road spur between it and old mill for future south access to connector street. Major building and annex should have architectural design features to complement historic old mill. Building entrances should have automatic door openers, doors shall have levers rather than knobs, elevator access should be in main foyer. Project budget: $5 million for construction of primary building; $300,000 for annex building; $250,000 equipment, furniture, PBX system; and $100,000 reserve for traffic related systems development charge. 

PROCESS PARAMETERS: Processes that must be observed by Project Team as it prepares Program Specifications. 

1. Project Team shall meet with state agency representatives on a continuing basis to receive input on design and to communicate design constraints. Consensus on design is important. 
2. Project Team, in conjunction with developer and architects, will meet with campus representatives on LBCC tenant improvements. All parties with a legitimate interest in building design shall have opportunity to participate in design meetings. 
3. General Contractor shall make every attempt to inform local subcontractors of opportunities to bid on construction work. 
4. President and Vice President, in concert with developer, will discuss appropriate design elements of the project with City of Lebanon and Historical Commission representatives.

OTHER PARAMETERS: Miscellaneous institutional concerns that must guide the project (e.g., Food Service outlets will not be a part of this facility).

Adequate parking lot lighting is important for this project. Project should be completed and ready for occupancy not later than March 1, 2002.