With nearly 60 years of dust collected on the floor of the Madison Monroe Educational Building at Lamar State College Port Arthur, a new era for the historic facility started Aug. 15.
LSCPA administrators celebrated with a brick-breaking ceremony as the state-funded $16.68 million renovation project got underway in earnest last week. Completion is expected July 1, 2025.
The Monroe Building, located at the center of the campus, was originally built in 1967. As time passed, the facility was retrofitted to accommodate the new demands of additional space and advancing technology. Ultimately, the changes couldn’t keep up and the need for a full renovation made itself evident, staff shared.
“It was clear that something needed to be done to better serve the campus and its students,” said LSCPA President Dr. Betty Reynard. “These renovations were much needed and will bring the Monroe Building into the 21st Century.”
Some of the features include a new roof, a sprinkler system, new air conditioning system and a large entry on the Lakeshore Drive side of the facility.
“The building didn’t have a sprinkler system,” Physical Plant Director Reed Richard said. “It’s not the most evident change but it’s among the most important. It ensures the safety of our faculty, staff and students.”
Another big addition is a secondfloor enclosed walkway from the Monroe Building to the adjacent Student Center. “With the Southeast Texas weather, it’s either really hot, raining, or cold,” Reynard said. “Having easy access from one building to another will be a real treat.”
The project is multi-faceted in its benefits, offering new staff facilities as well as more space to grow new programs.
“We’re always thinking about how to better serve our community and offering more programs is one of the most important,” Reynard said. “This renovation will provide the space we need to grow comfortably well into the future.”
— Gerry L. Dickert, LSCPA Public Information Coordinator