Nash Community College has entered the first phase of constructing a new 74,500 square foot Continuing Education building on the southern end of its campus.

Nash County commissioners unanimously approved a $400,000 advance in August for the project’s architectural planning, handled by Oakley-Collier Architects in Rocky Mount, the same company college officials worked with in constructing the Science and Technology Center.

The $400,000 for the endeavour will come out of the county’s fund balance, County Manager Bob Murphy said. Nash County Board of Commissioners Chairman Robbie Davis said the current fund balance is approximately $26 million.

“The construction plans won’t be finished until January 2011,” said Tim Oakley, principal at the firm. “The bidding process won’t begin until April 1.”

A groundbreaking next summer is possible, according to a press release from the college.

The new building will be completed in two phases.

Phase 1 involves construction of the 55,500-square-foot western and central portions of the building, while Phase 2 involves finishing the 19,000-square-foot eastern portion.

The building will feature a pistol target range, basic law enforcement training classrooms, a 29,100-square-foot multi-purpose room, lecture hall, classrooms and administrative areas.

“A new building will allow Nash Community College to grow in many of its Continuing Education programs,” college President Bill Carver said.