The design process is underway to create a new Communications Hub building and cohesive space for the Social Justice and Equity Centers inside the Student Center (Building 3400) and Building 3700.

“As a community college, we must honor our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) by intentionally designing facilities and programming for spaces that promote accessibility, representation, and inclusion,” said Sunita Cooke, Superintendent and President of MiraCosta College. 

The $54.3 million project will consist of renovating buildings 3400 and 3700 and replacing four aging buildings, 3000, 3100, 3200, and 3300. The scope will include classroom, office, study, and student group collaboration spaces.

Gensler and Rudolph and Sletten lead the project as a design-build partnership. The design is expected to be submitted to the Division of the State Architect (DSA) for approval in Spring 2024. Construction could begin as early as Fall 2024.

The project reflects an intentional and strong focus on engaging students in the design process to ensure the perspective of underrepresented voices on campus and developing spaces that highlight and create community around these voices. It will include several unique spaces and design features:

• A new shared governance space 
• Sensitivity in art and décor to ensure the facilities reflect the diversity of MiraCosta’s student population; this may involve showcasing artwork created by students from different backgrounds, displaying posters and educational materials that promote inclusivity and social justice, and avoiding stereotypes or culturally insensitive material
• Opportunities throughout the site to blend the interior with the exterior
• Extensive use of natural light, which research has shown to improve student well-being and productivity
• High-efficiency fixtures will be used throughout
• Exterior and interior finishes will feature eco-friendly materials
• Landscaping will include low-water and native species

“As we embark on the design process for the new Communications Hub building and the Social Justice and Equity Centers, we are dedicated to creating an environment that promotes Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) at MiraCosta College," said Dr. Wendy Stewart, Interim AVP, Chief IDEA Officer. "Our facilities should reflect the diverse students that we serve and showcase our commitment to creating a racially just campus and goals around closing equity gaps.  In this project, we are centering accessibility, representation, and inclusivity and working to ensure that students from diverse backgrounds, especially our historically marginalized and minoritized students, feel welcomed, respected, valued, and heard. We are excited to engage students in the design process to incorporate their perspectives and create spaces that foster community and amplify underrepresented voices on our campus."

Learn more about MiraCosta’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) here. 

The project is funded by Measure MM, a $455 million bond approved by voters in 2016, which provides several key improvements, including upgrades to career training facilities for science, health care, technology, and the skilled trades. 

Visuals/Media Availability:

Detailed information about the district’s Capital Improvement projects is available for public review through the Capital Improvement Dashboard on the MCCD website. The Dashboard provides build-out details, financial performance, and project schedule performance.

The program and construction manager for the capital improvement program is Kitchell Capital Expenditures Manager (CEM), in association with Element Consulting, Inc. and Vic Salazar Communications.