News
GPCCRS to conduct a feasibility study on Old Main for college
Scott Wagar
02/21/2012
The Old Main committee has taken another step forward in the rehabilitation of Dakota College at Bottineau’s 105 year old structure.
The committee has signed a contract with Minot State University’s Great Plains Center for Community Research and Service (GPCCRS) to conduct a feasibility study with two primary goals.
“The first goal is to determine the feasibility of repurposing the Old Main facility. An architectural study of the building has determined that the building is structurally capable of housing a combination community center/classroom building. The idea or concept for a multi use building grew from the focus group sessions that were held for the community and college by the Old Main committee. The first phase of the feasibility study will provide information in regard to whether or not this type of facility is economically viable. That is, can it host enough events and be used enough to sustain itself,” said Dr. Ken Grosz, dean of Dakota College at Bottineau, and chairman of the Old Main committee. “If the answer to that question is yes, the second phase of the study will be conducted, which will set up a marketing and business plan for the center.”
GPCCRS, in association with Dakota College at Bottineau and the Souris Basin Planning Council, will be conducting the feasibility study.
GPCCRS support public and nonprofit agencies in the area with focus on research assistance, program assessment and evaluation, survey development and analysis, and collaborative problem-solving activities.
The center is influential in using Minot State University’s students, granting them a learning experience and the opportunity to work in a real world scenario, which grants the students perspective of working in the outside world while they are still in the classroom.
Neil Scharpe is the director of the Old Main project for GPCCRS. His team includes Seth Hagen, GPCCRS project coordinator; Lyndsay Ulrickson, Souris Basin Planning Council; Anthony Anderson, MSU student; Meghan Lahti, MSU student; and Amber Penrose, MSU student.
Scharpe stated that he and his team are delighted to be assisting in the Old Main project.
“The Great Plains Center for Community Research and Service is pleased to be working with the Dakota College Old Main committee in the feasibility study of this beautiful building. This project exemplifies the purpose of our Center in that it engages students in a real community issue they are able to use their classroom experience to address,” Scharpe said. “It is a win for everyone in that Bottineau gets an answer to their question, students get to practice their education, and we partner together with Souris Basin Planning Council for expertise in community planning. While all parties benefit I believe the students are the real winners, they gain experience, exposure to potential employers and see the process first hand.”
GPCCRS’s first phase of the feasibility study will be completed by the end of March. If the second phase moves forward, its completion date will be at the end of May.
The cost of the project for both phases is $19,446, which is being funded through donations and a grant.
If GPCCRS makes the decision that Old Main will not work as a community center-classroom building, the Old Main committee will have to consider another option for the structure.
“It will be back to the drawing board for the Old Main committee in regard to the future of the structure if the study indicates it is not a good idea,” Grosz said. “If the study indicates that in fact the idea or concept has merit, a fundraising campaign will begin for repurposing and rehabilitating Old Main.”
Grosz stated that he is pleased to have GPCCRS conducting the feasibility study.
“We are pleased that the Great Plains Center has consented to take on this project. Our committee feels that they know the territory because they are familiar with the local environment,” Grosz said. “They are also a logical choice because of our affiliation with Minot State University. It is another example of Dakota College and the parent campus working together.”
GPCCRS has created a Facebook page to assist with this project and in saving the structure. Individuals can go to the site by going to this link:
www.facebook.com/saveoldmain.