Krebs Architecture and Engineering, Inc. has recently completed an inaugural planning effort for the Boaz, Alabama campus of Snead State Community College. The planning team included a stakeholder group and steering committee, comprised of members of the school faculty and administration as well as community leaders, to assist in gathering information and directing the planning effort. Services provided and incorporated into the master planning documentation included: Historical Analysis, Facilities Inventory for the existing 16 building campus, Campus Infrastructure Mapping, Campus Traffic Study, Athletic Facilities Master Plan, Campus Standards, Interactive Campus Map and Digital Database. The Master Plan itself included a 5-year and 20-year development horizon.
Phil Black, project manager for the planning team and LEED Accredited Professional, noted that the “Snead State Campus is somewhat unusual in that it has more of the traditional, small, liberal arts college atmosphere. A portion of the campus is also a historic district.” Further, Black said, “The administration wants the master plan to provide ‘earth friendly’ and sustainable design standards for the campus.”
Having “green” design standards is already assisting the college in seeking LEED sustainable design credits for the ongoing renovation work at Norton Hall, one of the historic buildings on campus. Dr. Robert Exley, President of Snead State, hopes the master plan will promote the “true college experience” for the students by preserving the historic buildings and traditional architecture, providing a pedestrian-friendly campus, and offering the type of campus amenities seen at the larger state schools. Tim Walker, mayor of Boaz, Snead State Alumnus, and member of the master plan steering committee, saw his involvement as an opportunity for the City of Boaz to participate in the future of Snead State; insuring that the campus remains a valuable asset to their community and the region.