• Tue. May 6th, 2025

With any type of construction, the beauty always comes after the rubble. Sinclair Community College is currently undergoing refurbishments in front of Building 8 and the area’s pathways have been surrounded by steel barricades, nets and cones as a safety precaution as the activities are underway. 

This project, awarded to Browning Chapman LLC, is part of Sinclair’s ongoing commitment to campus improvements. Similar projects have been undertaken in other parts of the campus, ensuring that facilities remain modern, safe and functional for students and faculty alike.

“The purpose of the project is to replace the waterproof membrane underneath the concrete on the ground level…The waterproof membrane is important because that is the barrier between the outside weather and the inside of the building,” said Rob Hensley, Sinclair’s manager of architectural design.

A worker doing construction outside of Building 8.
Dion Johnson

The overall scope of works for the comprehensive project as per the bid advertisement includes:

  • Demolition: Removal of existing hardscapes, waterproofing, plantings, and soils.
  • Waterproofing: Installation of a new monolithic membrane system.
  • Plaza Hardscapes: Installation of new pavers, curbs, and catch basins.
  • Landscaping: Installation of new soils and plantings.
  • Irrigation: Installation of a new irrigation system.
  • Electrical: Necessary electrical repairs.

“We will also be installing some new brick pavers to match the other main plaza over the top of the library.” said Hensley.

As a result, outside pedestrian access to building 8 will be closed but the travel paths on the ground level between buildings 4 and 5 and buildings 5 and 6 will not be affected.

The outside of Building 8 as it undergoes construction to replace a the waterproof membrane. Dion Johnson

The ongoing activities are expected to reach final completion by early to mid-August and with winter behind us, activities are expected to proceed smoothly with little to no disruptions expected to the program of works. 

The Facilities Management Department at Sinclair College plays a crucial role in these efforts, dedicated to maintaining the campus’s aesthetic and functional standards. Their mission is to ensure the upkeep of buildings, grounds, utilities, equipment and mechanical and electrical systems in a cost-effective manner. By doing so they provide a safe, healthy and comfortable environment for the entire college community.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding with the facilities renovation projects and we do apologize for any inconvenience, but we believe in the end we’ll have a good project, a good result and an enhanced plaza,” said Hensley. 

Koena Lizza, staff writer/intern

Check out more posts by The Clarion: