Client: Union County College
Location: Plainfield, NJ
Typology: Higher Education
Size: 15,220 sq ft
Project Features: Classrooms
Student Space
EMT Training Rooms
Nursing Training Rooms
Photo Credit: The Musial Group


Project Details (PDF)

Union County College, Based in Cranford, NJ, is the oldest 2-year, continuously operating, non-profit, degree-granting institution in New Jersey (1933). With an open enrollment policy and four campus locations, the college is dedicated to providing educational opportunity to varied communities in Union County. The college purchased a car parts showroom/warehouse on a very visible corner in Plainfield. Their Licensed Practical Nursing Program and Paramedic training in Plainfield was expanding and required more space.  The current phase of the Health Science Building renovates 15,220 square feet of the total 27,219 square foot building. 

The project has classrooms for paramedic training at the first floor and nursing training on the second floor. The existing floor to ceiling storefront at the front façade provide an opportunity to connect building activities and the street. A 61’ interior graphic and a new illuminated exterior signage act to anchor the college‘s identity in the community.

The project balances the college’s long-term goals for the site with current requirements. The Health Science Building is now linked to the existing Plainfield campus, about a block away, with data lines crossing under the street.  A patio entrance and extensive site work for a second phase of the project provides a campus continuation, both visually and graphically through signage, planting and sidewalk pavers.