LBCC Benton Center--Building on 80 Years of Learning

Renovation began at LBCC Benton Center in April 2003 and finished approximately one year later, in April 2004. Staff moved into the new space in mid-April, followed by administration, registration, the bookstore, learning center and career center. Classes began meeting in the new classrooms in April as well. Remodeling of the original building and the completion of the parking lot and site work was finished in early September.

Approximately $4.7 million was invested in the Benton Center renovation. The project included additional classrooms, renovations to several existing classrooms, a new learning center, reconstructed ceramic facilities, new faculty office space, separate administrative and student service area, new upstairs restrooms and drinking fountain, and an improved entrance to the facility. The facility also has new paint, carpet and parking lot lighting.

The new Benton Center entrance is now off Polk Avenue, and the Benton Center address changed to 757 Polk Avenue.

The first floor student lounge is the center or hub of the building located in a new two-story atrium. It includes space for study, socializing and eating, and room for queuing during busy registration times. Registration/Information and the Bookstore are located nearby. The second floor Learning and Career Center includes two counselor offices, a testing area, group study tables and six computer stations for homework. 

The original entry, now administration and student services offices, has been restored as an entry, with comfortable chairs for students and faculty to read or converse. The building also houses offices for faculty and a conference room equipped with ITV (two-way audio and video instructional television). 

The business technology lab and some other classes that use computers moved into two new computer labs in the new portion of the building. The Ceramics program moved into a newly designed studio with attached kiln and glaze-mixing areas, now called the O.Robert Adams Ceramic Studio in memory of a long-time Corvallis resident and college supporter. Fitness classes are held in the new 3000 square foot Activities Center. 

All materials removed from the site were recycled. The maple flooring from the gym was donated to the Nazarene Christian School for use in the school's future gymnasium. Kitchen cabinets and appliances were donated to the First Alternative Coop.