As the twentieth century drew to an end, Northern Maine Technical College (NMTC) needed a way to develop and expand a high-tech learning environment with multi-media learning resources in order to provide students with the tools needed to compete in the new technology-based economy of the twenty-first century.  Funding for this expansion was procured through a 1999 bond issue that would provide similar improvements to all seven of Maine’s Technical Colleges.  NMTC received $3 million, the majority of which was earmarked for the construction of a new addition to the Christie Complex that would house a library and a conference center among other things.

Designed by PDT Architects of Portland, Maine, in conjunction with Baird Farm Studios of Mapleton, Maine, this addition was given a more modern appearance than the rest of the campus.  The approximately 17,000 square foot building includes a spacious, open Library, which is home to a collection of approximately 15,000 items.  The library was a key part of the new construction because the previous Library had only half the standard shelf space for two year colleges.  The Library also boasts two small conference rooms for group study and meetings.  Students can access information from other libraries across the state, and the Library catalog is part of the Minerva Consortium, which can be searched from the library web page.  The media center, containing 21 computers and 2 printers for student use, is located adjacent to the Library in the E. Perrin Edmunds Building.  Students can also access wireless internet from anywhere in the building.  The relocation of the Library to this new facility also allowed the Academic Success Center to move into the old Library, further enhancing its services in the larger space.

Also a part of the E. Perrin Edmunds Building is a 200 seat conference center that can be easily divided into three separate rooms when needed.  The conference center is frequently used for community events, banquets, meetings and large group courses.

The second floor of the E. Perrin Edmunds building is home to the Continuing Education Department (formerly Business and Industry Department).  The new facilities allowed for expansion to accommodate the growing need for new training to keep the skills of local business employees up to date with changing technologies.

The official ground breaking ceremony for the E. Perrin Edmunds Building took place on June 11, 2001, although work had already begun.  The general contractor for the project was DNM Construction of Presque Isle, Maine, and the electrical subcontractor was Underwood Electric of Presque Isle, Maine.  Mechanical subcontracting was performed by Patrick St. Peter & Sons of Caribou, Maine.  By spring break of 2002, the library was complete and volunteers moved the library collections to their new home.  The conference center and second floor offices were completed over the summer and in use by the fall semester of 2002.

A ceremony was held on September 28, 2003, to dedicate the new building to E. Perrin Edmunds for his efforts in 1962 to secure the initial funding needed to start the college.  The legislation authorizing the creation of the college was passed in 1961; however, no funding was attached at the time.  As the senate majority leader, and as a member of the appropriations committee, Edmunds was able to secure the funds needed to finally open the doors.  At the dedication ceremony, local attorney Floyd Harding spoke of the dedication that Edmunds had shown as he worked to make the college possible.  Edmunds was nominated for the honor by Harding and Harold Stewart, also a local attorney.  Additionally, his nomination was endorsed by Senator John Martin, for whom another campus building is named.

The E. Perrin Edmunds Building stands as a symbol of the dedication that NMCC has for the educational needs of its students.  This newest building on campus gives students the tools they need to move their education into the future.  

Credit: Brian Hall
June, 2010