From Staff Reports
TRAVERSE CITY — Construction for Northwestern Michigan College’s geothermal project will begin this weekend.
The project was initially expected to begin May 3, but will now start May 10 and the Cherry Lot is expected to remain closed through September, with the goal of reopening earlier if possible, as the initial phase of construction begins.
The Cherry Lot, located across College Drive from the Innovation Center on NMC’s main campus, will be closed as the 168 geothermal wells, which will be buried 565 feet deep, of the borefield are constructed under the lot. Phase 1 of the project also includes construction of the distribution from the borefield into the buildings.
It will serve five buildings (Scholars Hall, Osterlin, Tanis Building, Les Beiderman Building, and Health & Science Building) and is anticipated to reduce carbon emissions by 96 percent and natural gas consumption by 94 percent for those buildings.
Phase 2 work will take place next summer, Communications Director Cari Noga said. The work will upgrade the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in the five buildings.
The project is expected to be completed in 2027, she said.
“This investment will allow us to modernize how we heat and cool campus buildings, reduce long-term operating costs, and support our sustainability goals,” Patrick Quinlan, director of facilities, said in a letter to the NMC community.
As construction begins, the public should also expect intermittent construction in and around College Drive and Cherry Lot, he said.
A temporary open trench across College Drive is expected to last approximately one to two weeks. There will also be three to four excavation areas or trenches running from the Health Science building toward the Cherry Lot walking path, increased construction traffic and sidewalk widening along the east side of Cedar Lot, Quinlan said.
Quinlan said he and his team are working closely with contractors to minimize the impact and work around key events like Campus Day, the Bayshore Marathon and the Meijer Festival of Races.
The Board of Trustees approved almost $10 million in contracts related to the project and $20 million in funding
They approved $5 million from the Boardman Lake Campus sale proceeds, in addition to the $5 million previously approved in February, and authorized the issuance and sale of $15 million in bonds for this purpose, a $5 million reduction from the $20 million originally approved in August.
An additional $2.7 million in grant funding will be used to fund the project, which is estimated to cost at $20,271,000.
This project is part of a broader effort to transition key campus buildings to renewable energy. It will serve six buildings on the college’s main campus and reduce carbon emissions for those buildings by 96 percent and natural gas consumption by 94 percent.
“While this summer’s phase may require some adjustment, it positions NMC for long-term efficiency, reduced energy costs, and more sustainable campus operations,” Quinlan said.