West Valley College $14.5M Campus Center Coming Along

West Valley College Campus Center's renovation is moving along, hoping to soon house services for administrators, faculty, staff and its nearly 12,000 students.

"The renovated space is breathtaking," said Gay Dabalos, construction director. "There's lots of skylights, the space is flexible and will provide great enjoyment for the students and the community for many years to come."

College officials estimate the 43,000-square-foot building's capacity will be between 1,000 and 1,200 people.

In the past, WVC, located in Saratoga, has hosted and rented the facility for groups bringing in 1,000 participants. The edifice's footprint has remained the same, according to Dabalos.

The project will cost approximately $14.5 million, money to renovate the 41-year-old building coming from the Measure H bond approved by voters in 2004. 

Once completed, the center will include a café with a servery area, a large event space, multiple meeting conference rooms, student lounge and art gallery, staff offices, outdoor plaza and gathering areas.

The project was designed in 2009, with construction starting in December of 2010 and completion expected at the end of March.

West Valley College and Mission College in Santa Clara enroll more than 26,000 students annually.

The district serves residents of Cupertino, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Saratoga, Campbell, Sunnyvale and Santa Clara and is governed by the seven-member board.

The grand opening is tentatively set for April 17, according to Dabalos.