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Archives & College History: Dandini Campus

Documenting and Preserving the History of Truckee Meadows Community College

Dandini Campus Construction History

1970s


As the demand for classes and services grew, it became obvious the college was in need of a permanent home. Count Alessandro Dandini played a major role in acquiring 467 acres of land in north Reno from the U.S. Government (Bureau of Land Management) for the Desert Research Institute and what would become Truckee Meadows Community College.

The first of the multi-phases of construction for a permanent campus on Dandini Boulevard in Reno was completed in 1976. WNCC North, which would later become known as the TMCC Dandini Campus, became the central hub for the staff, programs and students.

 

1980s


1980 -  Approximately 100,000 sq. feet are added to the existing Red Mountain building to accommodate expanding health occupations, business, trade and industry occupations, liberal arts, and community service programs.

1986 - Groundbreaking ceremonies for a 42,000 sq. ft. addition to TMCC. New facility added to the existing Red Mountain Building includes southern expansion and a separate building (housing auto, diesel and HVAC labs), as well as expansion to the existing library and 300 additional parking spaces.

 

1990s


1991 - Construction begins on two buildings: the E.L. Cord Foundation Child Care Center and a classroom building (the Vista Building) containing 42,358 sq. ft. of space to accommodate over 1,000 students. Parking facilities for 339 cars in the new south lot are also made available.

1994 - TMCC's south entrance named "Raggio Parkway" in honor of Senator Bill Raggio.

1995 - Ground is broken for the new "Advanced Technology Center" (Sierra Building).

1996 (January) -  New 33,000 sq. ft. Library is completed on the Dandini Campus.

1996 (October) - Construction is completed on the Advanced Technology Center (Sierra Building). The 73,500 square foot building provides students with additional computer availability and class offerings.

 

2000 - Today


2004 - Grand opening of the V. James Eardley Student Center on the Dandini Campus in the Red Mountain Building. This $12 million project includes 45,000 sq. ft. of new construction, in addition to 65,000 sq. ft. of renovated space. Includes new culinary arts center, Golden Frog restaurant, bookstore, art gallery, physical education facility, cafeteria, career services, academic advisement, disability resources, and campus starting point.

2019 (February) - The Learning Commons, housing the Elizabeth Sturm Library and the Tutoring and Learning Center, celebrates a grand re-opening.

2019 (August) - The soccer field is completed, and the Mighty Lizards Men's and Women's Soccer teams begin their first season.

2020 - In early 2020, the new Sports and Fitness Center building opened to the TMCC community, and included a full-size gymnasium, weight room, two classroom spaces, and locker rooms.

Dandini Early 80s

Dandini Campus

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