MCC breaks ground on North Mohave Campus building

Mohave Community College held a groundbreaking ceremony for the college’s new building on the North Mohave campus last Friday, August 11.

The facility will be the first large investment at the North Mohave campus in at least 30 years, according to MCC President Dr. Michael Kearns.

“We are investing in the future of this town and the future of education in this area that’s going to be so necessary for the young folks who are packing those K-12 schools now,” said Dr. Kearns.  The facility will include a cutting-edge nursing classroom and labora

tory, business incubator, and multipurpose community room.

“The business incubator is a place new businesses can use if they’re in the start-up mode, or need temporary office space while they wait to get their building finished, such as DOT Foods in Bullhead City,” said Dr. Kearns.  “This will be a space in Colorado City where those types of businesses will have a temporary space to work.”

Currently DOT Foods Inc. is using MCC’s business incubator space at the Bullhead City campus, while the company’s new facility constructed at the city’s airport industrial park.

“We are so proud to see the community come together to foster this endeavor and see the growth of MCC in the northern area of Arizona,” said MCC Board President Phyllis Smith.

The new building will also allow MCC to expand the EMS program, which will help provide more quality paramedics and first responders to the growing communities along the northern Arizona and southern Utah border.

“The community is also very excited about the multi-purpose room,” said MCC North Mohave Campus Dean Carolyn Hamblin.  “I’m already getting calls from people asking about it and looking forward to using it for a variety of events.”

Lake Powell Construction was awarded the contract to build the 7,000+ square foot, $2 million facility.  

“We’re really looking forward to working with all of you here locally and create something that you can all be proud of, and that your children can attend and be proud of,” said Jim Arnold, president of Lake Powell Construction.

The contractor will be working with the building designs created by Merge Architectural Group, which created the building to meet several college and community needs. 

“Some of the things that are important for us include the flexibility this building will have, so students will be able to do various activities at the same time,” said Carlos Murrieta, co-founder of Merge Architectural Group.  “This design will also take into account your future growth on this campus and in this community.”

MCC’s North Mohave campus is located in northwestern Arizona, south of the Arizona-Utah border in what is known as the “Arizona Strip.” Colorado City is a gateway to the stretch of unspoiled land separated by the Colorado River’s Grand Canyon and Utah.  Colorado City has a four seasons climate with a low temperature around 23 degrees in the winter and a high temperature of 90 degrees in the summer.  The Arizona Strip has many natural wonders, attractions and outdoor activities, and is favorably located near St. George, Utah and Zion and Bryce National Parks.