Central Arizona College to Celebrate Groundbreaking at Superstition Mountain Campus
By Angela Askey, Executive Director Public Relations and Marketing
Central Arizona College (CAC) will celebrate the Superstition Mountain Campus expansion during a groundbreaking ceremony on Tues., September 26, 2023, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Featured speakers will include Amanda Isaacson, McCarthy Building Companies Senior Project Manager; Dr. Jackie Elliott, Central Arizona College President; and Dan Childers, Project Architect with ARCHITEKTON. Attendees are asked to park in the west parking lot of the campus (805 S. Idaho Rd., Apache Junction, AZ.)
The groundbreaking will spotlight the current construction project slated to provide a new Allied Health building, Skilled Trades building, and renovation to the existing C building. At the completion of the project, three currently existing buildings will be replaced by landscaping.
“CAC is pleased to be working with McCarthy and ARCHITEKTON to create a world class learner experience for the residents of Apache Junction and Pinal County,” stated Dr. Jackie Elliott. She added, “These new facilities will allow the college to prepare students for the workforce and assist in providing economic growth for the region.”
The renovated C building will be complete by March 2024, and it is projected the new Skilled Trades and Allied Health Buildings will be open for classes beginning in January 2025.
The Allied Health Facility will provide integrated learning classrooms and labs for Massage Therapy, Aesthetician, Nursing Assistance, Pharmacy, Phlebotomy, Medical Assistant, Radiology and Sonography. Additionally, simulation centers will replicate realistic healthcare environments, including hospital and operating rooms, and clinical settings equipped with advanced simulation technologies such as computerized patient simulators, high-fidelity mannequins and more. The Massage Therapy and Aesthetician programs will offer a ‘Superstition Spa’ experience. Students will gain critical thinking, decision-making and patient care skills in a safe and controlled environment.
The Skilled Trades Facility will provide classrooms, labs, and exterior yards for Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Ceramics and Arts programming. Workshops will mirror real-world work environments that allow students to develop industry-specific skills and practical experience.
The existing C building will be renovated to provide a computer lab, VR lab, an expanded E-Sports Lab, faculty and public safety offices. An existing café, student lounge, and student organization space will be left in place. Another new addition will be a large exterior canopy allowing for an expanded outdoor seating area. The VR Lab and computer lab will provide students access to industry-standard equipment, software and simulation tools, fostering innovation and problem-solving skills.
CAC will remain poised for growth based on industry needs with available space in each new building for limited future programs.
According to Daniel Childers, Senior Associate and Architect, “These facilities will be designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency. Incorporating efficient HVAC systems, natural lighting, rainwater collection, and water conservation measures. These sustainable design elements will help in the education and integration of sustainability into CAC’s curriculum to promote environmentally responsible practices. By providing cutting-edge education and training opportunities, these facilities will contribute to the growth of the region’s emerging technology and healthcare sectors while fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in healthcare practices.”
About ARCHITEKTON
Founded in 1989 by four architects–each with their own area of expertise and professional experience–Architekton has grown to a staff of 38. Architekton is known for award-winning, creative solutions to complex projects—projects that balance functionality with aesthetics, and for the firm’s ability to manage strict budgets and produce high quality architecture. In the 34 years since our founding, the firm has completed projects that have been deemed a success by users and the surrounding communities and have gained critical acclaim through over 175 regional and national citations. 2023 marked the firm’s 5th year of receiving the Goodwin Award from the AIA, celebrating successful collaboration in the design and construction industry. In 2017 Architekton was ranked as one of the Top Companies to Work For by azcentral.com and was recently honored as Top Design Firm of the Year by Engineering News-Record.
About McCarthy Building Companies
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is the oldest privately held national construction company in the country – with nearly 160 years spent collaborating with partners to solve complex building challenges on behalf of its clients. With an unrelenting focus on safety and a comprehensive quality program that span all phases of every project, McCarthy utilizes industry-leading design phase and construction techniques combined with value-add technology to maximize outcomes. Repeatedly honored as a Best Place to Work and Healthiest Employer, McCarthy is ranked the 19th largest domestic builder (Engineering News-Record, May 2023). With approximately 6,000 salaried employees and craft professionals, the firm has offices in St. Louis; Atlanta; Collinsville, Ill.; Kansas City, Kan.; Omaha, Neb.; Phoenix; Las Vegas; Denver; Austin, Channelview, Dallas, and Houston, Texas; and San Diego, Newport Beach, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose and Sacramento, Calif. McCarthy is 100% employee owned. More information about the company is available online at www.mccarthy.com or by following the company on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.