The public media broadcasting and learning space at Delta College is undergoing a significant renovation to update the working and learning environment for faculty, staff and students. 

The 11,300-square-foot renovation, which began in August on Delta’s main campus, will include a new academic hub for students in the electronic media and journalism programs, and a redesign of the existing Delta College Public Media radio facilities and administrative offices. It is expected to be completed in 2022. 

Thomas Bennett, general manager for Delta College Public Media, said the project will create a state-of-the-art learning environment in a space that will benefit both students and staff, as well as centralize academic programs, extracurricular activities, and Delta College Public Media’s television and radio operations into a cohesive public media center. 

“This updated space will naturally generate new and mutually beneficial collaboration opportunities, student learning experiences and internship opportunities,” said Bennett. 

The current facilities were constructed in 1961, with minor updates since. Many of the architectural finishes, mechanical and electrical systems are at or nearing the end of their useful life. 

Bennett said replacement of these key structural elements is critical to meeting the needs of current programs, learning environments, and business and community needs. 

The project is one of 10 university and community college capital projects in the state that was approved by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as part of a COVID-19 relief supplemental appropriation bill that was passed in January 2021. The construction cost is $2.8 million, with $1.4 million being funded by the State of Michigan. The renovation was designed by TowerPinkster and is managed by Spence Brothers.

A new academic hub will soon hit the airwaves

Or the overall student experience, so to speak. 

The renovated space will include a computer lab, classrooms, equipment storage, updated student workspaces and a commons area, which will all come together to form an academic hub – a place for students, faculty and staff members to collaborate, socialize and learn.  

Jonathan Garn, associate dean of the Arts and Letters Division, said meeting the current needs of students in electronic media and journalism disciplines was important to consider in the new design. 

“We wanted to create a collaborative environment for everyone to learn and develop,” Garn said. “This redesigned space will benefit our students’ educational and career goals because we have the unique aspect of having a public broadcasting station at our college.” 

He said input from faculty members, who have experience in newsrooms, was vital to aiding in the design of the new space. 

Students working for The Collegiate, Delta’s student-run newspaper, will also find a new space just for them. Their current workspace, located in Upper A Wing, will be relocated to the newly renovated area in Lower A Wing.