Central Arizona College Reaches New Heights with Superstition Mountain Campus Expansion

Central Arizona College (CAC) recently marked a significant milestone with the topping out ceremony of the Superstition Mountain Campus expansion project. This expansion will introduce brand-new buildings dedicated to Allied Health and Skilled Trades, enhancing the educational landscape for students. Additionally, CAC celebrated the completion of renovation works on the existing C building.

Photo byKTAR News

In collaboration with design-build partners McCarthy Building Companies and Architekton, CAC embarked on this ambitious $40 million endeavor, spanning 51,620 square feet at 805 S. Idaho Road in Apache Junction, Arizona.

Dr. Jackie Elliott, President of CAC, expressed excitement about the progress, stating, “We are thrilled to commemorate this moment and eagerly anticipate the completion of the new Skilled Trades and Allied Health Buildings. Through these state-of-the-art facilities, CAC remains committed to offering top-tier educational opportunities to the residents of Apache Junction, Pinal County, and the wider Arizona community.”

The Allied Health building, upon completion, will feature cutting-edge learning spaces and laboratories tailored for various healthcare disciplines, including massage therapy, aesthetics, nursing assistance, pharmacy, phlebotomy, medical assisting, radiology, and sonography. These facilities will incorporate simulation centers replicating realistic healthcare settings, equipped with advanced simulation technologies to foster critical-thinking and patient-care skills.

Furthermore, the Skilled Trades building will provide immersive classrooms, labs, and outdoor yards catering to mechanical, electrical, plumbing, ceramics, and arts programs. These workshops will simulate real-world work environments, enabling students to hone industry-specific skills and gain practical experience.

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The recent renovation of the existing C building has brought about enhancements such as a new computer lab, virtual reality (VR) lab, expanded E-Sports Lab, and updated faculty and public safety offices. Notably, students now have access to industry-standard equipment and software, facilitating innovation and problem-solving skills development. The exterior makeover includes a spacious canopy, expanding the outdoor seating area with captivating views of the surrounding Superstition Mountains.

Andrea Ramos, Project Director for McCarthy, emphasized the significance of reaching the topping out milestone, underscoring the project's role in serving future workforce needs. Completion of the new Skilled Trades and Allied Health buildings is slated for late 2024, in time for classes commencing in January 2025. Following the expansion, three existing buildings will undergo demolition, making way for landscaping improvements.

Daniel Childers, Senior Associate Architect with Architekton, expressed gratitude to CAC and the dedicated contractor team for their collaborative efforts in reaching this pivotal moment. He highlighted the collective commitment toward unveiling exceptional facilities that will shape the educational landscape and contribute to brighter futures.

With available space for limited future programs in each new building, CAC remains primed for growth, aligned with industry demands and educational excellence.

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