Plans are under way to expand the West Allis Campus by 5,400 square feet, adding four general classrooms, a computer lab and a multi-purpose science lab. A “green roof” (plant covered) will diminish storm water runoff and reduce heating bills by limiting heat loss and moderating ambient surface temperatures.

The first phase, approved in January by the City of West Allis, will add 3,600 square feet to include the “green roof,” a large classroom, computer lab and a multi-purpose science classroom. Phase two remains in the early planning stage and would require separate approval by the city and the Wisconsin Technical College System.

The energy-efficient design aligns with two other major building projects at MATC. A Renewable Energy Technology Center at the Mequon Campus includes the largest college-owned wind tower in the state, along with two photovoltaic arrays and a fuel cell.

At the Oak Creek Campus, MATC is now constructing ECAM – the Center for Energy Conservation and Advanced Manufacturing. ECAM will train tomorrow’s industrial workforce while promoting energy-efficient facilities and processes.

A College-Wide Emphasis

“I would hope the public understands that we mean to introduce sustainable-energy

A planned addition to the West Allis Campus will preserve its visual aesthetics. 

solutions across all of our campuses,” said Darnell E. Cole, MATC president. “This has rapidly become both an educational priority and an operational imperative.” 

The West Allis Campus addition would be located between the old main building (B Building) and the 1997 addition to its immediate north. By using this courtyard space, the project will not expand the building’s primary boundaries or significantly alter its aesthetics.

“Our facility is very compact, and we are always struggling to find enough room for classes. This expansion would help us be more responsive to the needs of our students,” said Rick Kettner, campus vice president.

Al Evinrude, MATC director of construction services, said that the proposed designs “are being reviewed and refined to ensure that we maximize our resources and use the space as efficiently as possible.”

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