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By ALAN HOSKINS, Kansan Contributor

The Board of Trustees at Kansas City Kansas Community College Tuesday authorized purchase of the shopping center at 65th and State previously occupied by Wal-Mart and the Laird-Noller auto dealership as eventual sites for the College’s Technical Education Center (TEC).

Brian Bode, Dean of Financial and Administrative Services, said closing on the Laird-Noller facility for $925,000 could be finalized as early as Wednesday while only final wording remains to complete the contract for purchase of the shopping center for $1,750,000.

“We’re pretty happy,” said Chairman of the Board Ray Daniels. “The cost of a new TEC building has been estimated at $25 to $30 million. Obviously, it’s going to cost a lot to renovate the new facility but it’s going to make for a major saving.” Daniels said the new facilities have been fully inspected and have no structural or environmental problems.

“This is a historic day,” said board member Don Ash. “It’s a win, win, win deal, a win for the students, a win for the college and a win for the taxpayers. And it’s a win for the community. We’re real excited.”

The 20,000 square foot Laird-Noller facility is expected to be made to order for the TEC auto mechanics and other related programs because of the bays, shops and service areas already in place.

The shopping center will provide 180,000 square feet of space for the nearly 20 vocational programs offered at the TEC, which is currently located adjacent to F.L. Schlagle High School at 55th and Parallel. That facility is owned by the KCK school district and will be returned to USD 500 when vacated.

Bode estimated that it will take approximately 18 months for the renovation of the shopping center to be completed. In addition to the Wal-Mart building, several other buildings occupied by various businesses will be available for TEC programs.