APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz.—Design-build partners McCarthy Building Companies and Architekton recently celebrated the topping out of the expansion of Central Arizona College’s Allied Health and Skilled Trades buildings. The $40 million, 51,620-square-foot expansion at the college’s Superstition Mountain Campus aims to increase local education in training tomorrow’s healthcare workers and skilled trades workers.

The Allied Health building will be home to classrooms and laboratory space to train students in such areas as massage therapy, phlebotomy, radiology, sonography, nursing assistance and various other career fields. Simulation centers will also prepare students for real-world healthcare situations they may face in the field. The simulation centers will offer “high-fidelity” mannequins, patient simulators and other technology. Local residents will be able to use the Allied Health building’s spa facility for treatment provided by student-learners under faculty supervision.

Meanwhile, the Skilled Trades building will offer students hands-on methods to learn about such careers as electrical, plumbing, ceramics, mechanical and arts programming. Simulations will help students apply their tradecraft in situations that will mimic what they might encounter when they graduate.

As part of its work for Central Arizona College, McCarthy also was tasked with renovating the existing C building to include a computer lab, E-Sports Lab, virtual reality (VR) lab as well as a suite of new faculty offices. McCarthy worked to expand the C building while keeping in place the facility’s existing student lounge, café and student organization space. On the outside, the contractor also added a new canopy to increase outdoor seating for large events.

“We are excited to celebrate this milestone and look forward to the completion of the new Skilled Trades and Allied Health Buildings,” Dr. Jackie Elliott, president of CAC, said of the ongoing work. “CAC will continue to provide a world-class learner experience by expanding educational opportunities for the residents of Apache Junction, Pinal County, and the state of Arizona through existing and new programs that will be housed in these facilities.”

“Topping out is a significant milestone for construction projects, and this project is especially meaningful since it will serve career and technical education students interested in pursuing careers in the trades and healthcare sector,” added Andrea Ramos, McCarthy’s project director. “We are one step closer to providing two new buildings where students, who represent our future workforce, will learn under the direct supervision of the college’s talented staff.”

Added Daniel Childers, senior associate architect with Architekton: “We extend our gratitude to Central Arizona College and our dedicated McCarthy contractor team for achieving this noteworthy milestone of topping out. This brings us one step closer to unveiling these exceptional trades, arts and healthcare facilities to the students and faculty of CAC, and the surrounding communities of Apache Junction.

“It has been the unwavering commitment and collaborative efforts of this incredible team that has brought us to this instrumental and memorable juncture. Thank you for your enthusiasm and expertise as we continue this journey towards opening these facilities to a brighter future.”

The Skilled Trades and Allied Health facilities are planned to be ready for the fall of 2024, with coursework scheduled to commence there in the spring of 2025.

Project subcontractors include RN Electric, S&H Steel, Stone Cold Masonry and Pete King.

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APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz.—Officials from Central Arizona College recently gathered with personnel from McCarthy Building Companies and Architekton for a groundbreaking ceremony commemorating the start of work on the Superstition Mountain Campus expansion project. In addition to renovating the existing C building, the scope of work entails construction of new buildings for the school’s Allied Health and Skilled Trades programs. When completed, the $40 million expansion will total 51,620 square feet of new educational space.

“Central Arizona College is pleased to be working with McCarthy and Architekton to create a world-class learning experience for the residents of Apache Junction and Pinal County,” Dr. Jackie Elliott, president of CAC, said at the groundbreaking ceremony. “These new facilities will allow the college to prepare students for the workforce and assist in providing economic growth for the region.”

The Allied Health building will contain classrooms and laboratories specifically devoted to such medical specialties as pharmaceuticals, phlebotomy, massage therapy, sonography, radiology and nursing. Medical students will be able to train in simulation centers that mimic field-level experience in operating rooms and other healthcare settings. The classrooms will be outfitted with the most up-to-date technology, including patient simulators as well as the classic mannequin dolls.

The Skilled Trades building will entail areas for students to learn about such fields as plumbing, electrical, ceramics and the arts. In addition to learning from industry experts, students will have the opportunity to try out their new knowledge in practical workshops.

Meanwhile, renovations at C building include installing a new computer lab, virtual reality facility, faculty and public safety offices, as well as expansions to the existing E-Sports Lab. McCarthy will also be building an exterior canopy that will increase the outdoor seating and dining area; students will be able to have lunch while enjoying views of the nearby Superstition Mountains.

Renovations at C building will be complete this spring, with the Skilled Trades and Allied Health buildings due to open later in 2024. At that point, several existing buildings will also be torn down and replaced with natural landscaping.

“McCarthy and Central Arizona College share a priority for advancing career and technical education that promotes and cultivates local talent in skilled trades,” Andrea Ramos, project director for McCarthy, said of the firm’s work at the school. “We are committed to working with the CAC team and Architekton to build an exceptional campus expansion that will play a pivotal role in educating our future workforce in fields that are currently experiencing labor shortages, including healthcare and construction.”

“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,” added Daniel Childers, senior associate at Architekton. “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.”

Subcontractors working with McCarthy and Architekton include Stone Cold Masonry, RN Electric, Pete King and S&H Steel.

Central Arizona College has five campuses throughout Pinal County.

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