Purcell Construction Corp. was awarded Jefferson Community College’s dormitory contract Tuesday, according to JCC Trustee Jody R.A. LaLone.

“We had six proposals, which was more than we expected to have,” Mrs. LaLone said during Wednesday’s board of trustees meeting.

The college requested proposals in April.

Although there are still details to work out, she said, the 286-bed dorm plan has been vastly improved since the idea of dormitories on campus was first discussed.

“It’s improved by the layout, the footprint of the building, the common area and the number of singles versus doubles,” Mrs. LaLone said. “Security’s big, too.”

Vice President for Students Betsy D. Penrose said the college also has a better understanding of residence life.

The next step in the project is to fine-tune the building plan’s details.

“The process now is for the Faculty Student Association with others to go through and design the building,” Mrs. LaLone said. “There are a lot of tweaks that need to happen.”

JCC will have to request a lease of additional land as well as square away the financing.

The dorm is estimated to cost about $16 million and likely will be built between the child care center and the school’s athletic field. Construction is scheduled to be completed before fall 2014.

“We shouldn’t have any problems filling these dorms,” said Trustee James P. Scordo.

Additionally, the board of trustees approved two new officers for the next year.

President Michael W. Crowley, former vice president, will replace Daniel J. Villa.

Mr. Villa served as president for two years. Trustees approved Doris H. McLallen as vice president.

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