Downtown Saginaw zone recommended to Delta Board for new center

After months of assessment and debate, the Delta College Board of Trustees heard the recommendation on which zone should be chosen for the new Saginaw center. Doug Kosma and Frank Markley of the architecture firm SmithGroup JJR and President Jean Goodnow recommended the Downtown zone.

There were four zones being considered for the new center – Downtown, Buena Vista, Michigan Avenue and Oldtown.

Kosma cited an overwhelming alignment of demographics, excellent workforce alignment, numerous employment and partnership opportunities and “a robust system of bussing through (Saginaw) Stars” as reasons for recommending the downtown Saginaw location.

He also noted that more people live in urban environments than anywhere else.

“The students in the Saginaw center come from the city,” said Kosma.

“Community colleges are moving more in this direction,” said Goodnow. She added that community colleges are becoming more urban.

Goodnow said demographics are a key reason why the Downtown zone is recommended. She said that 80% of Ricker students live in the City of Saginaw. Goodnow also cited employment and jobs as reasons why the downtown location has been recommended.

“It’s like buying a house. It’s location. Your students come from the city,” said Kosma. “They’re asking for simple things: ‘Let me have access to higher education.’”

The next regular Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for April 15. The Board will act on the recommendation at that time.