Central Community College, Courtesy
HOLDREGE — The Central Community College Board of Governors has approved a $1.9 million plan to relocate the Holdrege Center to downtown Holdrege.
The center will move into the former Great Western Bank Building at 424 West Ave. from the Phelps County Agricultural Center. Once completed, the nearly 11,300-square-foot facility will feature classrooms, live video rooms, nursing assistant lab, computer lab, offices and a testing room. Space will also be available for future partner organizations or agencies to share space and collaborate on programming.
“As a long-time board member for Central Community College, I am excited about the upcoming relocation for the Holdrege Center,” said Rita Skiles of Huntley. “Increased educational opportunities and class offerings have created the necessity for more space and work areas that are accessible and functional for all student needs. The new center is an investment in area schools, in workplace preparation and a response to community growth and expansion.”
CCC has had a full-time presence in Holdrege since 1995. Originally located downtown, the Holdrege Center moved to its current location in 1998. In addition to college courses, the center offers adult and community education, English as a second language, health education and emergency medical technician courses, international studies and high school programming. Initial discussions with area businesses express opportunities for expanded technical training, adult education, youth programming and workshops to occur at the location.
“We are excited to once again be part of the vibrant downtown community,” said Diana Watson, regional director and international studies coordinator. “We are looking forward to increasing our programming, services and accessibility for students. We also appreciate the support and commitment to serving students and communities in our region from the CCC Board of Governors and administration.”
“We greatly appreciate the decades of partnership with the Phelps County Agricultural Society but look forward to this expanded space to offer even more CCC services and programming to attract and enhance the lives of area residents,” said CCC President Dr. Matt Gotschall.
The vacant property was purchased by BoSox 7 LLC, which contacted CCC about being a potential tenant. As part of the decision-making process, CCC administrators included community members by conducting focus groups and hosting an open house to gather ideas and receive feedback. Sampson Construction was selected as construction manager at risk and will be coordinating the project with local and state subcontractors.
BoSox 7 issued the following statement: “Central Community College fulfills a vital educational role in our community and region. We’re excited to partner with them to transform this centrally located building in Holdrege into a modern and accessible learning hub.”
Construction should begin immediately with an expected CCC occupancy by early fall.
