Construction
Dennis F. Michaelis Academic Center
Evolution of a Green Building
The MAC is approximately 93,000 square feet and was the first building completed as a result of the 2006 Bond Election. This new classroom building is a three-story masonry structure located at the front door of campus near the intersection of Highlander Drive and Powell Drive (Heather). It was designed to take advantage of the beautifully established landscape MCC is known for today. The MAC is the first 'green' building on campus and was designed to be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified at the gold level, which is the second-highest rating. The new Highlander Plaza connects the MAC with existing buildings on campus. The building provides much needed multipurpose classroom space, as well as faculty offices, computer labs, small study rooms, a café and a lecture hall. The MAC houses the University Center, MCC Bookstore, Business Programs, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Alternative Teacher Certification Program. The building opened on March 26, 2009.
Science Building
At 102,000 square feet, the Science Building is the largest building on campus and gives space to the biology, chemistry, geology/environmental science, medical laboratory technology and physics departments. The most technologically up-to-date building on campus, the Science Building provides students with current equipment and technology. The building includes classrooms, labs, offices, a greenhouse, a museum and aquarium, and an outdoor classroom. The Jim & Nell Hawkins Plaza outside the building and two original glass sculptures inside set the building apart from others on campus. The Science Building was built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards with the hopes of earning a gold rating (the second-highest level). The building opened on Aug. 17, 2009.
Emergency Services Education Center
The ESEC—which represents a partnership between MCC, the city of Waco and McLennan County—serves all fire, law enforcement and EMS professionals in McLennan County. The ESEC also houses MCC's Criminal Justice and Forensic Science programs, Emergency Medical Services Program, Law Enforcement Academy, and Fire Academy. This 50,000-square-foot facility is located near Waco Regional Airport and includes a six-story burn tower, a weight room and a takedown room where fire academy students learn how to carry people to safety and law enforcement students learn how to subdue people without injury. The building also includes labs for EMS and Forensic Science students and a dining area. The ESEC is expected to earn a platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, the highest LEED rating. The building opened on July 16, 2009.