College of the Canyons Canyon Country campus officials broke ground on the new 55,000 square foot Science Center on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 1:30 p.m.

Once open, the new permanent complex of classroom and laboratory space will effectively double the square footage of facilities on campus.

The approximately 55,000-square-foot facility will primarily be devoted to physical and biological sciences, housing eight labs and 10 science service rooms.

Additionally, the four-level building will also house three computer labs, 24 faculty offices, seven group study rooms, open study spaces, lab service spaces, as well as seven lecture rooms, including a lecture room with a 75-seat capacity.

Located at the center of campus, the Science Center will serve as a focal point for students and first-time visitors and will transform the campus landscape.

Currently, lab shortages and overcrowded classrooms place more than 4,000 students on waiting lists every semester. The construction of the Science Center will allow the college to offer students the in-demand science courses they need to graduate, reach their educational goals, and compete for well-paying jobs in the region.

Funding for the construction of the Science Center was made possible by Measure E, which Santa Clarita Valley voters passed in June 2016. Measure E allocated $230 million to the Santa Clarita Community College District for construction projects.

The Science Center will be completed by Winter 2019 for a Spring 2020 opening.

College of the Canyons Canyon Country Campus is located on Cougar Way, 17200 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country 91351.