Project Manager Bruce Davis reviews one of the revamped science labs.

As if the opening of Cypress Creek’s second building this spring wasn’t exciting enough, the Williamson County campus now has something else to celebrate: Overhaul of the original facility.

Building 1000 stood alone when the campus opened in 1991. It was later joined by portable buildings to accommodate the growing demand for classes that resulted from the area’s booming population.

The original structure has now been remodeled to improve air quality and support the campus’ overall expansion, which included construction of a second building.

“With the explosive growth out here, this facility was needed,” said Project Manager Bruce Davis. “It’s been a long time coming.”

The new building opened in January, with renovation on the original structure beginning soon after. Building 1000 is scheduled to reopen this month, just in time for the fall semester.

New light fixtures.

During a recent tour of the facility, Davis pointed out new light fixtures in the lobby, as well as adjacent rooms for a bookstore and Simon’s Café. An information desk will also be located there, along with new seating and a dining area with a lounge. “I see it as a gathering and meeting place,” said Davis.

It’s not just the lobby getting a face-lift. Classrooms are receiving upgrades, including ventilation changes in the science labs and track lighting in the expanded art lab.

The Cypress Creek expansion allows for an additional 1,700+ students, said Campus Manager Linda Haywood. The campus will easily accommodate 5,000 students. The campus is offering 57 more classes compared with fall 2006.

Haywood is particularly enthused about the expansion creating six science labs. The campus, which has long served as a northwest site for the Nursing Program, now houses a 10-bed nursing lab. It also is the new home for the Criminal Justice Program, headed by GW Hildebrand.

Still tied closely to the community, Cypress Creek will continue to serve as a local meeting place, interacting closely with both the Cedar Park and Leander Chambers of Commerce and Leander ISD. “We are pleased to be involved with the community, Haywood said.