AVONDALE, Arizona – Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC), the newest of the ten Maricopa Community Colleges, celebrated a Dec. 2 groundbreaking ceremony for their new Performing Arts Center (PAC). Incorporating funds from the voter-approved 2004 bond for the campus’ capital improvements and expansion, the PAC is now more than a vision. It’s now ready to play a “center stage” role for expanding arts education in the West Valley.
The PAC will measure nearly 30,000 square feet and will include a 295 seat theater, Black Box Studio and Dance Studio. While the primary purpose of the PAC is a learning environment to support the arts, including theatre, photography, dance, fine arts, and music, the space will also be available for community events.
As an intentional centerpiece of EMCC, the PAC will be blended among the campus’ library, classrooms, learning centers and labs, providing an equal opportunity of emphasis for the arts. As the campus grows, the PAC’s design and location will continue to serve as a focal point which promotes interaction with campus life.
Dr. Rufus Glasper, MCCCD Chancellor, spoke of the vital connections between the Maricopa Community Colleges and the communities they serve, and how the PAC is a milestone for the campus and the entire arts community in the West Valley.
The project lead is the EMCC facilities team with the creative partnerships of Orcutt Winslow Architecture and Adolfson & Peterson Construction.
Those also in attendance at the early morning ceremony included the mayors of Avondale and Goodyear, elected officials, district and campus administration, staff and faculty, construction and architectural partners, students and community members.