California Construction News staff writer
The San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) Board of Trustees has unanimously approved the selection of a design-build team led by Hensel Phelps and Carrier Johnson + Culture for the new Mid-City Campus for the San Diego College of Continuing Education.
Approved during the board’s May 14 meeting, the project is being called a major investment in workforce education and community infrastructure in San Diego’s mid-city neighborhoods. The campus, planned for 5322 El Cajon Blvd., will cost about $100 million, for land acquisition, planning, design, construction, furnishings, and equipment.
District officials noted that 13 design-build teams submitted proposals for the project, underscoring strong industry interest in one of SDCCD’s newest educational developments. Through the progressive design-build delivery method, the selected team will collaborate closely with district leadership, faculty, staff, community stakeholders, and neighborhood residents throughout planning and design phases.
Planning and design work is expected to begin immediately, with stakeholder engagement and programming efforts helping shape the long-term vision for the new campus.
The board also authorized an initial $7.9 million allocation to begin Phase 1 activities, marking a significant milestone in the district’s long-term facilities expansion strategy funded through the voter-approved Measure HH bond program.
“This new campus represents an exciting investment in the future of our students and community,” said Dr. Tina M. King, president of the San Diego College of Continuing Education. “For generations, SDCCE has helped students gain the skills, confidence, and education needed to transform their lives. This new campus will allow us to expand those opportunities through modern learning environments and career-focused programs designed to meet the evolving needs of our region.”
Once completed, the new campus will expand several high-demand educational programs currently operating at the existing Mid-City Campus, including Nursing, Business Information Technology, Emeritus, and Culinary Arts.
Construction is funded through Measure HH, the $3.5 billion bond initiative approved by San Diego voters in November 2024. The bond program is intended to modernize district facilities, expand workforce training capacity, and improve educational infrastructure across SDCCD campuses.
“Measure HH was designed to ensure our facilities evolve alongside the needs of our students and region,” said Joel Peterson, SDCCD vice chancellor. “This new campus will provide important workforce training and educational opportunities in a growing part of San Diego while creating modern, flexible spaces that support innovation, collaboration, and student success.”
