COTC presents Coshocton Campus master plan to community
COTC Plan: Philip G. Enderle from The Collaborative, an architecture and planning firm from Toledo that COTC worked with, and COTC President Bonnie L Coe address questions from community members who just learned about COTC master plan for the Coshocton Campus during a special presentation on Nov. 18. Beacon photo by Josie Sellers
COSHOCTON – Thirty years from now the Coshocton campus of Central Ohio Technical College could look dramatically different according to a new master plan unveiled by college administrators on Nov. 18. The Coshocton Campus Master Plan has been in development for about a year. The plan maps out a long-term development strategy for the campus and its connection to the Coshocton community.
“This is not just a plan for our future, but all of Coshocton’s,” said COTC President Bonnie L Coe. “We are committed to COTC being part of your community.”
The Coshocton campus was COTC’s first extended campus and is located in historic Roscoe Village. Roscoe Village was once a bustling port along the Ohio and Erie Canal. Now it is a top Ohio tourist destination and one of the region’s most beautiful areas to visit. The college is currently housed in the renovated Montgomery Hall which provides area students with one location for all classes and services.
“This new ‘road map’ allows the institution to make informed decisions regarding future transformations to the campus,” said COTC Superintendent of Facilities and Support Services Brian Boehmer. “The plan takes into account several potential development opportunities – from adding on to Montgomery Hall to the construction of possible future facilities both on and beyond campus-owned property. Montgomery Hall was designed to accommodate a maximum student enrollment of 1000 students. Anything beyond this number will require additional space. The master plan however, is not just limited to academic space. Under the right scenario(s), COTC could also look to develop non-academic and/or support facilities. “
In addition to building plans and land acquisition, the multi-decade framework plan examines development needs for parking, traffic flow, walkways, green spaces and building connections. The plan was put together by Coe and several members of her executive team, as well as representatives from The Roscoe Village Foundation, The City of Coshocton and the Ohio Department of Transportation.
“We wanted to harness the power and creativity of a larger group,” Coe said.
The plan was developed with the need to respect and build upon Coshocton’s heritage, values and aesthetic while strengthening an institution of higher education that keeps the betterment of students, faculty, staff and the Coshocton community in mind.
“Coshocton was the first COTC extended campus. There is a tremendous amount of community support for the college evidenced by the capital campaign that was conducted to renovate Montgomery Hall,” said Boehmer. “This community ownership and support is vital to a successful campus going forward as well. The college gives back to the community by not only meeting its mission of serving the training needs of students and employers, but also as an economic catalyst and partner in economic development in the community.”
The final draft plan was unveiled during a formal presentation in Montgomery Hall. An open house was held after the presentation for community members to tour the current facility, ask questions and provide input.
Also on hand for the presentation was Philip G. Enderle from The Collaborative, an architecture and planning firm from Toledo that helped COTC come up with its master plan.
During his presentation, Enderle discussed where potential buildings would be built and how the campus would connect better with Roscoe Village, Clary Gardens and Downtown Coshocton. He also showed how the areas could be connected with similar brick sidewalks, light posts and flags.
“We haven’t designed any architecture yet,” Enderle said. “We are just showing you spacial relationships and how we plan to create a sense of campus and tie it with the rest of the neighborhoods.”
The phases of the project have not been defined yet, but Coe said the college is in a wonderful position.
“We have the resources (right now) to do some of the less costly features of the plan such as the streetscapes,” she said.
Several members of the community were very impressed with what they heard during the presentation.
“COTC, thank you for including Roscoe Village and Clary Gardens in your planning,” said Dorothy Skowrunski, executive director of the Coshocton Port Authority.
David Baker, from the Roscoe Village Foundation was pleased to be part of the process.
“Our partnership with COTC has been rich and rewarding,” he said. “Anytime you can combine higher education, history and tourism the whole community benefits. This is not just about COTC and Roscoe, but the whole community.”
Mike Remington also eagerly gave COTC his approval.
“I had no idea your plan was so complex and far reaching,” he said. “I say go for it.”
Central Ohio Technical College is a fully accredited, public college dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible programs of technical education in response to current and emerging employment needs, as well as encouraging the professional development of students, staff, faculty and administrators to assist them in achieving their maximum potential. COTC is the only technical college in Ohio operating four full-service campus locations: Newark, Coshocton, Knox and Pataskala.
Category: Education
