Central Arizona College Breaks Ground on Superstition Mountain Campus Expansion

Central Arizona College (CAC) is set to mark a significant milestone in its development trajectory with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Superstition Mountain Campus expansion on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and attendees are directed to park in the west parking lot of the campus located at 805 S. Idaho Rd., Apache Junction, AZ.

The ceremony will focus on the ongoing construction project, aimed at introducing a new Allied Health building, Skilled Trades building, and comprehensive renovations to the existing C building. As part of the transformation, three present structures will be replaced by expansive landscaping.

Dr. Jackie Elliott, President of Central Arizona College, expressed the institution's enthusiasm about the collaboration. "CAC is thrilled to be collaborating with McCarthy and Architekton to produce a top-tier learner experience for Apache Junction and Pinal County residents," she remarked. Elliott further emphasized the college's vision, stating, "These fresh infrastructures will empower the college to ready students for professional endeavors and play a pivotal role in catalyzing economic growth within the locale."

The project's timeline is ambitious yet precise. Renovations of the C building are projected to conclude by March 2024. Moreover, the state-of-the-art Skilled Trades and Allied Health Buildings are set to open their doors to students starting January 2025.

The Allied Health Facility is poised to be a hub for cutting-edge integrated learning. It will feature classrooms and labs specifically tailored for a plethora of programs including Massage Therapy, Aesthetician, Nursing Assistance, and more. A highlight will be the 'Superstition Spa' experience, uniquely offered by the Massage Therapy and Aesthetician programs. The facility aims to immerse students in lifelike healthcare settings bolstered by advanced technologies, ensuring they develop crucial skills in a secure environment.

Conversely, the Skilled Trades Facility will be a sanctuary for budding artisans and technicians. It's designed to replicate real-world work environments, fostering hands-on learning in Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and even Ceramics and Arts disciplines.

As for the refurbished C building, it will house a plethora of digital innovation centers, including a computer lab, a VR lab, and an enhanced E-Sports Lab. Additionally, the building will feature a substantial exterior canopy, paving the way for an extended outdoor seating area.

Highlighting the sustainable design aspects, Daniel Childers, Senior Associate and Architect with Architekton, stated, "Emphasis on sustainable and energy-efficient practices will be paramount. By instilling these principles into CAC's curriculum and infrastructure, we aim to propel the region's technology and healthcare sectors forward."

This expansion promises to ensure that Central Arizona College remains at the forefront of educational innovation, meeting industry demands and fostering an environment of continuous growth, learning, and sustainability.

Central Arizona College has a total of 5 locations including a San Tan Valley Campus.