Telecommunications center to be built at Three Rivers College

Business Today

POPLAR BLUFF -- The St. Louis-based architectural firm of Kromm, Rikimaru and Johansen (KRJ) has been commissioned to design a new telecommunications/distance learning center for Three Rivers Community College.

KRJ focuses on providing long-range planning and comprehensive services in education, health care, retirement and civic facilities.

Construction of the $3.5 million facility -- the E.K. Porter Distance Learning Center -- is scheduled to begin in late February or early March.

The 25,000-square-foot technology building will house two computer labs, five interactive television rooms for distance learning, 18 offices for professional staff, computer technicians and facility, and two master classrooms, or "smartrooms." Approximately 1,000 square feet have been designated for a control room with a radio and television studio.

The college's mainframes computer and network servers, which tie the college's entire computer network system together, will be located in a secured, interior corridor on the second floor. For this concept, KRJ introduced a "digital nerve center," a dedicated corridor with access floor panels for wiring, conduit and floor raceways.

In addition, KRJ designed the telecommunications and technology center using architectural characteristics from surrounding buildings. The building's steel frame construction will cut initial energy and building costs.

The general contractor for the project is Greer Construction Co. of Poplar Bluff.

KRJ currently has eight registered architects and is licensed in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Kansas.