An architect’s rendering of a corner of the proposed Southside campus for Del Mar College in Corpus Christi. Courtesy Illustration
A public meeting to envision the future of Del Mar College’s proposed Southside location begins at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 24 at the DMC Center for Economic Development, 3209 S. Staples. Anyone wanting to help create the 100-acre project is invited to attend. Preliminary plans will be on display as attendees discuss how Del Mar can best serve the educational needs of the Southside of Corpus Christi over the next 100 years.
Currently, the campus is designed to serve 20,000 students. Input from the Board of Regents has so far established that the south campus should be a cultural hub for the surrounding community, fostering community activities and supporting local organizations with access to campus facilities. The board asked for a community hike-and-bike trail and use of parking lots for overflow events at Bill Witt City Park.
Also on the wish list:
• Shared amenities and services for the school and community such as library, YMCA and an event center;
• Mass transit to the site;
• Use of sustainable resources and public art that reflects its location in the Coastal Bend;
• Wireless Internet campus wide, including in outdoor spaces.
The new campus will include classes in developmental education, adult basic education and English as a second language, along with classes in architecture, culinary arts, engineering, biotechnology and other emerging technologies. Also included are outdoor classrooms and a restaurant for the culinary arts classes.
The three-phase project will accommodate 6,000 students each for phases 1 and 2 and an additional 8,000 for phase 3.
Design work is expected to begin in June once a master plan has been approved. A website for public comment recently launched at delmartomorrow.com.
Next steps between now and June include Thursday’s meeting along with the following;:
• April 14 — Public engagement session along with presentation of the plan to students on east and west campuses;
• May 3 — Presentation of 75 percent master plan document phasing strategy with cost summary;
• June 7 — Review of the 99 percent master plan document, final edits based on feedback.
• June 14 — Board of regents presentation, feedback and approval.
RSVPs are not necessary for the March 24 meeting. More information is available by calling 361-698-1247.
