Scottsbluff, NE

Western Nebraska Community College (WNCC) is in the midst of an exciting transformation, one that’s set to make a lasting impact on healthcare education in the region. The John N. Harms Center Health Sciences Building renovation project is more than just a renovation project; it’s about investing in the next generation of nurses, healthcare providers, and educators who will serve the community for decades to come.

The renovation focuses on more than 33,000SF of existing space within the Harms Building. An additional 1,160SF is being added to create a new vestibule and entry link, enhancing both the functionality and flow of the facility.

At the heart of the renovation is a major transformation of an 8,300SF two-story area that will soon house WNCC’s new state-of-the-art nursing center. This center is thoughtfully designed to give students real-world experience before they ever step into a clinical setting. It will feature advanced nursing labs, simulation spaces, and two operating rooms, equipping students with hands-on training that mirrors actual healthcare environments.

This renovation isn’t just about labs and equipment; It’s also about creating a welcoming, inspiring space that encourages learning and collaboration. A spacious new lobby and reception area will greet visitors with warm wood ceiling finishes and large storefront windows that will allow natural light to pour in. The design strikes a balance between professionalism and comfort just what you’d want in a space dedicated to nurturing future caregivers.

Classrooms and staff offices are also being added across both the main and lower levels of the building, providing faculty and students with the space they need to grow and thrive. Outside, the work includes site demolition, utility relocation, grading, and paving, important groundwork to ensure the building functions smoothly for years to come.

One of the most impressive aspects of this project is the ongoing coordination with the college. Even as construction crews transform major portions of the building, WNCC continues to operate in adjacent areas. It’s a testament to the thoughtful planning and communication between the construction team and the college staff, all working toward a shared goal.

As the project heads toward completion, scheduled just before the college’s winter break, there’s a sense of pride and anticipation in the air. The renovated Harms Building will soon be more than a facility; it will be a hub of opportunity, where future nurses begin their journey and where the college’s commitment to excellence in education is brought to life in a very tangible way.

This is a project rooted in purpose, progress, and people. And when the doors open, it will be a moment worth celebrating for the students, for the college, and for the community they’ll go on to serve.