SLCC's center on Main is ready

Salt Lake Community College's Main Street Center, which was expected to open in time for the fall semester, is now ready for class, school officials announced this past week.

The existing building, at 115 S. Main in downtown Salt Lake City, has been renovated and has had major seismic upgrades to meet current earthquake safety standards.

Extra time was needed to ensure all elevators were working in the five-story building. Center director Larry Landward said in August that the building was "not safe" to host students yet.

SLCC officials purchased the property earlier this year for more than $5 million, part of a deal that freed the school from a costly lease with a private owner.

Subjects being taught at the downtown campus include chemistry, communications, economics and anthropology. There will be 55 regular-length courses being offered by spring semester 2005, according to SLCC officials.