Proposed BSC Center | Video

Kristin Clouston | 12/7/2012

The Governor says he`d like see new buildings at the state`s colleges and one of them would be at Bismarck State College. If the legislature approves, BSC can replace its library with a new building that would also house the art and communications department.

Creativity requires space, and that`s something BSC is running out of.

"Our art department is inside our men`s residence hall. It`s inadequate for our students," said BSC president Larry Skogen.

Hallways are used for storage and projects are crammed into spaces that could be used for learning.

"There`s situations where we can only put a few students in a certain area because there`s not enough space for them to work. There`s also safety issues like proper ventilation and things like that. There`s no space to expand," said art department chair Michelle Lindblom.

And students aren`t the only ones working in tight spaces.

"This is Brian Hushagen`s work space. This is where he does a little practice on his own. Most four year schools would have a separate studio for art instructors, but this is basically his studio space," Lindblom said.

Things are worse over at the library. It`s sinking into the ground and repairing it would be cost prohibitive.

"We have cracks in the wall, cracks on the floor. In effect, the current library is sloughing off into the Community Bowl and that`s an issue we have to address," Skogen said.

Administrators envisioned building a $40 million center and say they appreciate the Governor taking a look at it.

"He cut it to what our basic needs are. Our basic needs are a new learning commons, common programs and our art department," Skogen said.

The Governor recommended a $13.3 million project and the school says they can work with that.

The plan had also included a theatre. That`s no longer part of this project, but the school still plans on making it a long term priority.

COMMENT ON THIS STORY

BACK TO NEWS | BACK TO BISMARCK STORIES