If you've driven by Lambton College lately, you've likely noticed the significant transformation on the property.
Local media were invited on a VIP tour Friday, to see firsthand the $50-million construction of two new world-class facilities on campus and a major renovation to the existing facilities.
Newly constructed areas are mostly enclosed by windows, which President Judith Morris says invites students to learn.
"We use to have education enclosed in a classroom, it was just the teacher and the students and nobody really knew what was going on in there, I'm sure it was all really great, but in this instance it really allows everybody to participate in that learning experience -- and that is what it's all about," Morris said.
But, some of the glass is going to take longer than expected, according to Director of Facilities Management Brent Thomas.
"A lot of the glass that was on order was shipped to areas [recently] devastated by hurricanes as a priority," he said.
Crews had hoped to have the new buildings enclosed by the end of this month, but Thomas says it won't happen.
He was excited to show off an area where the new 5,000 sq ft double gymnasium is being built inside the 40,000 sq ft. Athletic & Fitness Complex -- set to open in September 2018.
"Masonry is complete inside the gymnasium. They're continuing to finish up some of the HVAC work, lighting has been hung, cleanup will happen and then the new floor will be installed in the coming months," said Thomas. "We will be getting ready for the installation of bleachers and we will be able to seat just over 1,200 spectators in this gymnasium."
Multi-purpose fitness and studio spaces are also being built there, which will look out onto Modeland Rd. and the Research Park.
Construction of the new 60,000 sq ft Nova Chemicals Health & Research Centre, which is scheduled to open in January 2019, is also making progress.
President Morris says the students will apply their learning in very realistic rooms.
"In this area we have three nursing labs, one is an ICU lab, we have a paramedic lab and we have two apartments, where there will be multiple disciplines, so police foundations, personal support worker, law and security and paramedic students will all work in the same space," said Morris.
The two new buildings are paired together by a 67 sq ft glass tower, which will be lit up at night.
"It's going to be enclosed in glass. At night it will be lit. It will be quite the beacon for all of Sarnia-Lambton. It's 67 ft. to represent when Lambton College was built," said Morris.
A major renovation of existing facilities is also making great strides.
About 43,000 sq ft of the first floor and lower level of the most southerly block, known as the Centre of Excellence in Energy and Bio-Industries, is being upgraded and set to open next spring.
The new world class facilities at @LambtonCollege will feature a 67 ft. glass tower which will be lit up at night and become a “beacon” for the community. #SLont pic.twitter.com/IsRtNYEHVg
— Melanie Irwin (@MIrwinCHOKNews) December 15, 2017
Tour of new Lambton College buildings. https://t.co/2i1kxeMMzH
— Melanie Irwin (@MIrwinCHOKNews) December 15, 2017