Upgraded Brookdale learning center reopens More computer rooms, new HVAC, part of $1.7M renovation BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer LONG BRANCH - - The Brookdale Community College Higher Education Center (HEC) in Long Branch opened its doors this week with a new and improved look for the new school year. The facility, located at Broadway and Third Avenue, underwent a $1.7 million renovation this summer to better meet the needs of students. Renovations included the addition of computer classrooms, according to the school's executive director of facilities, planning and construction. "We want to give students the opportunity to get the college feeling and spend more time at the facility," said Bill Golubinski last week. "It is a much better learning environment for the students," he said. "We are able to offer more programs now." As part of the renovation project, the interior of the building was redesigned to increase the number of computer classrooms from one to four, according to Golubinski. Although the square footage of the building was not increased, Golubinski said "creative geometry" enabled them to create more classrooms. "We added significant technology to the building by increasing its computer classrooms," he said. "Adding the computer classrooms allows us to meet the high demands for the classes. "There have been changes in education requirements and now we can offer these classes," he added. Additional renovations include lighting replacement throughout the building, as well as the installation of a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit. "This should greatly reduce the operating costs at the college and there will be interior comfort for the students," Golubinski said. The HEC also had significant interior renovations, including the creation of a new student success center, an open computer lab, access areas for tutoring, and a student service center that offers financial aid, counseling and registration, according to Golubinski. A lounge for students was also included in the project, Golubinski said. Another highlight of the project was a new entrance at the front of the building, according to Carl DeJura, Brookdale Community College's director of adult basic education. Prior to the renovation, a small door that was used as an exit-only was located at the front of the building, DeJura said. "I feel this project will affect the students in a positive way," DeJura said. "The building has improved tremendously. It is more modern and it looks better. "This will also affect the community," he said, adding, "There is a very large use of the building for business and community groups. Our name is Brookdale Community College, and "community" is our middle name." The building was originally constructed in 1980 and currently there are about 790 students enrolled in credit courses at the facility, according to DeJura. He added that there are also about 250 students who attend noncredit classes at the HEC. "It was a very fast-paced project," Golubinski said. "We shut down on May 15 and did not have any courses over the summer. "We were able to open on Sept. 6," he said, adding, "They worked nights and weekends to accomplish the deadline, which they did." A ribbon-cutting ceremony was planned for Wednesday to mark the formal re-opening of the building.