This 55,000-square-foot facility was built for the Community College of Aurora to expand hands-on career and technical education opportunities and prepare students for direct entry into the workforce or continued study at four-year institutions. Located on an active campus, the building brings together advanced learning environments, industry-grade equipment, and flexible collaboration spaces designed to support a wide range of technical programs.
The facility houses classroom and laboratory spaces dedicated to construction, diesel power mechanics, engineering, cybersecurity, renewable energy, physics, anatomy, and broader STEM disciplines including math, science, and applied technology. These spaces are equipped with modern technology and specialized infrastructure—such as fume hoods and laboratory systems—to support real-world instruction and applied learning.
At the heart of the building is an Innovation Lab and Maker Space designed to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. Several other areas of the building replicate industry environments. A large diesel equipment lab features four oversized bays capable of accommodating vehicles as large as a city bus, along with a five-ton bridge crane that allows students to work directly with heavy equipment used in the field. Two 40-foot construction bays support hands-on training for construction management, Bootcamp, and YCA workshops associated with the BuildStrong Academy of Colorado.
Additional spaces—including training and conference rooms of varying sizes, a HazMat area, locker rooms, and a staff breakroom with kitchenette—provide the operational support needed for a comprehensive technical training environment.
Designed with long-term performance and sustainability in mind, the facility achieved LEED Silver certification, reflecting a commitment to efficient building systems, responsible materials, and a healthy learning environment.
