Metropolitan Community College Advanced Technical Skills Institute
Metropolitan Community College made the decision to relocate its programs from the existing Business & Technology campus to a location closer to the city and community, providing better visibility and access. Goals of moving into the former publishing house building included enhanced synergies between programs, access to public transit and new amenities supporting higher learning to prepare students for the workforce.
Programs such as building maintenance, welding, HVAC, Industrial Technology and Computer Integrated Machining and Manufacturing allow the development of career skills and hands-on learning. The design team was tasked with adapting the current space into innovative makerspaces, classrooms, labs and more, connected by a central spine for socialization, while also developing the building itself as a learning tool. Flexibility was key, as spaces are used by both students and the community, encouraging local business partnerships and real-world opportunities for students.