Capital Projects Bond Information

The goal of this project is to realize the full potential of the existing facility to promote and support the physical and wellness related educational offerings and activities, and to revitalize and preserve an aging and outdated asset that has tremendous potential to serve the needs of the college community. In realizing these initial goals, we send a message to our community that vitality and wellness are important aspects of both academic and lifetime achievement.

February-May 2025: A project team representative of key stakeholders convened in spring of 2025, architects were hired, and design conception began for a defined portion of the larger project. This work was initiated with state-provided grant dollars, with the full concept to be completed contingent upon bond funding.

Fall 2025: The project team and architects moved into schematic design – a phase in which the concepts developed up to this point are translated into a more concrete yet still flexible set of designs. The college began the selection process for Construction Manager/General Contractor who will work alongside the architects to improve design, cost control, and scheduling.

Winter 2026: The college has engaged a Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) who is currently reviewing the architectural designs, developing cost estimates, and establishing the official project schedule. The architect team and the CM/GC are actively exploring all value engineering options and identifying areas for cost reduction while minimizing the impact on project objectives. Construction is projected to commence in the Spring of 2026.

March 2026:  Value engineering exercises conducted with the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) and the architectural team have resulted in cost reductions that align with the established budget while preserving the core project objectives. While most priority objectives have been retained, lower-priority elements will be completed with minimal alterations to the physical layout but will feature updated finishes. Any additional savings realized during the final design and bidding process will be allocated to reinstate features in the lower-priority areas that were previously removed to meet budgetary constraints. Construction is anticipated to commence in Spring 2026.

April 2026: Pre-construction planning is complete. Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-June 2026 with an anticipated reopening approximately one year later. The renovation will include major upgrades such as a new HVAC system with air conditioning, roof replacement, seismic improvements, reconfigured academic and fitness spaces, expanded weight and conditioning areas, updated locker rooms, and a redesigned gymnasium floor and seating.

Building 7/Orange Lot Construction Closure Information

July 2026: Removal of existing roofing is complete and installation of new roof has begun. Demolition efforts on both interior and exterior are progressing. The goal for the summer months is to weather proof the building before the wet weather in the fall. 

August 2026: Construction continues, including roof work, demolition of exterior brick and walls, and interior demolition.

Baseball/Softball

Description: This project will update the baseball and softball fields with artificial turf surfaces which improve drainage and will increase opportunities for Chemeketa and community teams to play during wet Oregon weather. It is estimated that these fields will be completed in the spring term of 2026.

June 2025: Thanks to a collaboration with Marion Berries Baseball, the new local team in the West Coast summer collegiate wood-bat league, improvements were made to our baseball field with college and community/private funds. This generated significant public interest in the larger baseball/softball improvement concept to be funded by the bond sale in future months.

Fall 2025: Construction begins to update the baseball and softball fields with artificial turf surfaces.

Winter 2026: All infrastructure work has been completed. Concrete pads to support the bleachers and light poles are currently underway. The baseball and softball field will be completed early in April and the soccer field construction will begin shortly thereafter.

March 2026:  The softball field has reached completion and is presently utilized by both the softball and baseball teams. Installation of bleachers for the baseball field is currently underway. The baseball field remains on schedule for completion early in April. 

April 2026: Phase 1 is largely complete. The softball field was converted to turf in mid-March and is already in use, with lighting installation underway and expected to be completed by summer. New bleachers increasing capacity from 125 to 500 are planned before the next season. The baseball field turf was completed in early April and is already in use. Lighting installation is expected to be completed by early summer. New bleachers have been added, expanding seating capacity from 350 to approximately 1,200 through a partnership with the Marion Berries.

Soccer Field

Description: This project will update the soccer field with artificial turf to improve drainage and increase opportunities for Chemeketa and community teams to play during wet Oregon weather. 

March 2026: Designs for the soccer field are nearing finalization with construction anticipated to start early in the summer of 2026.

April 2026: Phase 2 is scheduled to begin summer 2026 and continue through fall. This phase includes converting the soccer field to turf with lighting, constructing a new multi-purpose structure, and additional site and infrastructure improvements.

July 2026: Construction has begun on the new turf soccer field and the stormwater detention system.

Community Courts

Description: Chemeketa considers options to update the community courts (volleyball, tennis, and basketball) around Building 7. Some of these improvements could include the expansion of courts, or repurposing of existing courts for new activities such as pickleball.

March 2026: Designs for the tennis/pickleball courts are nearing finalization with construction anticipated to start early in the summer of 2026.

April 2026: Planning is underway to renovate the existing tennis court area. The proposed project will resurface the courts, retain three tennis courts, and convert remaining space into eight pickleball courts. Construction is anticipated to begin summer 2026 and be completed by fall.

September 2026: Excavation of the deteriorating asphalt has begun.

Description: The project will provide flexible lab and shop space to expand hands-on training in high-demand trades such as welding, fabrication, and carpentry. It will help to strengthen partnerships with industry, support apprenticeships and workforce training, and prepare students for family-wage careers that meet the region’s economic needs.

Fall 2025:  A project team representative of key stakeholders was created to help the college develop a scope of work and advise the design team to ensure that the project meets programmatic needs.

Winter 2026: Architect selection for this project will be completed in January of 2026. The internal project team and the chosen architectural firm will soon begin after the programming phase (pre-design). This crucial preliminary step involves the architect working closely with the client to define project objectives, specific needs, and scope before design drawings start. Programming focuses on research, budget, quantitative space needs, and desired experience, resulting in a comprehensive project brief that guides the entire building process.

March 2026: The internal project team and the architects have completed multiple programming sessions and are in the process of finalizing project objectives, specific requirements, and scope prior to the commencement of design drawings. R&C, the owner's representative for the college, has initiated collaboration with the procurement department regarding the contractor selection
process. This project is anticipated to utilize a Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) delivery method.

April 2026: The project is currently in the design phase. Construction is anticipated to begin in January 2027, with completion expected in early 2028. Plans include a new Trades Center building with both enclosed and covered outdoor instructional space, expansion of welding capacity, and reconfiguration of nearby buildings to support HVAC, sheet metal, and apprenticeship programs.

July 2026: The college has engaged a Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) who is currently reviewing the architectural designs and will begin meeting with the project team over the summer. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027.

Description: The Yamhill Valley Campus (YVC) Building 2 Classroom Update project will create essential flexible instructional space to meet critical community needs and evolving workforce demands.

The core purpose of this project is to create adaptable classrooms and labs that can serve multiple Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs simultaneously and over time. This flexibility is paramount, as it allows the college to quickly adapt the facilities to serve different programs as they evolve, ensuring a rapid response to local workforce needs.

The updates will support the expansion of vital CTE offerings, including:

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) classes.
• Expanded Medical Assisting offerings.
• Early Childhood Education (ECE) and other CTE programming based on community needs and demands.

By prioritizing flexible space, the YVC2 update ensures maximum utility and a sustained ability to train the skilled workforce critical to the Yamhill Valley community.

Fall 2025: The project is currently in the design phase with construction set to take place during the winter term.

March 2026: Construction on this project began late in January and the project is currently on schedule. Although the greater project will not reach completion prior to the start of the spring term, a single classroom and the necessary lab space for spring term classes will be completed and handed over as the initial phase of this project.

April 2026: Phase 1 is complete, delivering a remodeled classroom with updated finishes, furniture, and modern instructional technology, along with access to an adjacent lab space. Phase 2 is currently underway and expected to be completed by May 2026. This phase includes converting underutilized space into a second classroom and renovating restrooms.

June 2026: Phase 2 is complete which included converting underutilized space into a second classroom and renovating restrooms.

Description: The reconfiguration of Brooks spaces will enhance Chemeketa’s capabilities in promoting required training to better prepare student candidates for industry.  The spaces will improve workable areas for the complex class and training, including a scenario space.

Fall 2025: A project team representative of key stakeholders was created to help the college develop a scope of work and advise the design team to ensure that the project meets programmatic needs.

Description: This project will allow students who live in this rapidly growing area of our service district to be able to complete their two-year associate’s degree in Oregon Transfer (AAOT) locally. It will be the first space at this Chemeketa location that can accommodate science classes requiring a specially designed laboratory.

Fall 2025: A project team representative of key stakeholders was created to help the college develop a scope of work and advise the design team.

April 2026: The College is currently in the procurement process for selecting an architect, with selection anticipated in June 2026.

June 2026: The college has engaged an architect who will begin meeting with the project team faculty and staff this summer.

Description: This project will modernize classrooms to keep pace with changes in technology and academic best practices. These upgrades will apply to learning environments across the college district in both lower division transfer and career and technical education.

Fall 2025:  A project team representative of key stakeholders was created to help the college develop a scope of work and advise the design team to ensure that the outcomes result in upgrading teaching and learning spaces to better meet the mission of the college and achieve maximum positive impact for teaching and learning in the long and short term.

April 2026: A collaborative workgroup of faculty and staff is actively re-envisioning classroom and study spaces to better meet current and future student needs. Concepts under consideration include expanded learning hubs and updated standards for instructional environments.

April-June 2026: Faculty and students were invited to view potential furniture options for classrooms and other learning spaces. Feedback will be consolidated and provided to the workgroup for further discussion this fall.

Description: The Blue Parking Lot is slated for a complete overhaul due to its deteriorated condition, primarily stemming from insufficient subgrade support beneath the asphalt. This critical project aims to not only replace the failing infrastructure but also to implement a modernized layout that prioritizes pedestrian and vehicular safety. Furthermore, the redesign will incorporate modern stormwater treatment solutions, bringing the lot into compliance with current regulations and best practices. 

Winter 2026: The parking lot layout is currently being finalized. Consultation is underway with programs directly adjacent to the lot to obtain input to ensure their needs are met by the final design. The owner's representative is also proactively engaging with programs whose access will be affected during construction to develop alternative solutions. Completion of the parking lot construction is anticipated during the summer of 2026.

April 2026: Construction is scheduled to begin summer 2026, with substantial completion anticipated by fall 2026.

June 2026: The completed lot will feature 568 standard parking spaces, 19 ADA-accessible spaces, and 6 EV charging stations. 63 trees were identified for removal; however, the new landscaping plan includes planting 62 new trees.  A significant number of the existing trees were root-bound and destroying parking lot and road surfaces. The newer trees will better co-exist in a parking lot environment. Tree removal began June 15 and was completed the same week.

Blue Lot Construction & Closure Information

July 2026: Complete reconstruction of the parking lot began in June, including excavation of deteriorating pavement and preparation for stormwater treatment.

August 2026: Paving is in process. Remaining work includes lot striping, power pole installation, and landscaping. Expected completion is late August or early September 2026.

September 2026: The parking lot and detention pond are substantially complete. Wrap-up work, including landscaping and the final electrical work for the lighting poles, will continue in September.

Description: To enhance safety for staff, faculty, and students, improvements are underway to replace aging security camera equipment. This initiative involves moving to a single, unified system, developed in collaboration with the Public Safety Department, for ease of use and increased capabilities. Additionally, we are upgrading exterior and interior lighting which will improve learning spaces and further contribute to a safer environment. These improvements are inclusive of all Chemeketa locations.

April 2026: Early planning is underway for this future project, which will include classrooms, faculty offices, and academic support spaces such as the math hub and art studio. The College has submitted an Article XI-G grant application that could provide up to $12 million in funding. A decision is expected following the 2027 legislative session.