Coconino Community College (CCC) is set to embark on a transformative $100 million expansion project, a massive undertaking that promises to modernize its educational facilities and expand its regional footprint. Following a successful bond measure approved by 60% of Coconino County voters last year, the institution is preparing to reshape its Lone Tree and Fourth Street campuses, positioning itself to better meet the evolving demands of the local workforce and student body.
## A Vision for Modernized Learning and Healthcare
The centerpiece of the development plan is a brand-new, 70,000-square-foot Allied Health Building. According to CCC President and CEO Dr. Eric Heiser, the college plans to break ground on this facility in early 2027, with completion anticipated by late 2028 or early 2029.
This investment is designed to address critical shortages in the regional healthcare sector. The college is preparing to launch new specialized programs, including training for radiology technicians, surgical assistants, and respiratory therapists. These high-demand career paths are essential for the health of the community, and the new facility will provide the clinical-grade infrastructure necessary to support them.
## Redevelopment and Operational Logistics
While the new health building rises, significant changes are coming to the college’s Fourth Street campus. Currently operating within a retrofitted 50-year-old shopping center, the site is slated for demolition this June. Construction for the new facilities on that site will commence in July.
Managing this transition will require a delicate balancing act. Dr. Heiser acknowledged that the construction period will be “chaotic,” as the college navigates the temporary displacement of essential services, including the police academy and construction trades programs. College leadership is currently identifying temporary housing for these programs to ensure that student progress remains uninterrupted while crews clear the way for the modernized campus.
## Addressing the Future of Workforce Development
Beyond the physical construction, the college is launching a $10 million “Building Futures” campaign, bolstered by a $1 million pledge from the CCC Foundation. While the $100 million bond covers bricks and mortar, the institution must secure ongoing operational funding to staff and maintain its expanded suite of programs.
The timing of this expansion aligns with a period of significant internal growth. Over the past four years, Dr. Heiser has overseen a rise in student retention rates—growing from 49% to 59%—and the college continues to play a vital role in dual-credit initiatives for high school students across Coconino County. As the institution celebrates its 35th anniversary, officials remain focused on the long-term goal of fostering academic success, whether that means preparing students for immediate entry into the local workforce or providing a foundation for those moving on to four-year institutions like Northern Arizona University.
The expansion reflects a broader trend in higher education where community colleges are increasingly acting as specialized hubs for regional economic development. By investing in modern facilities and high-growth vocational training, Coconino Community College is aiming to ensure that the next 35 years of its history are as impactful as its first. With the support of local taxpayers and a clear strategic roadmap, the college is moving toward a future where students like Savannah Lawton—a nursing student who credited the college’s small class sizes for her recent success—have the specialized environments they need to thrive in a competitive, tech-driven economy.
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