OREGON CITY -- With two science labs, a computer lab, study space and a crime lab, the completion of Clackamas Community College's Harmony West building signals a great opportunity for people in Milwaukie and beyond to access a state-of-the-art education.
The building, adjacent to CCC's Harmony East on the Harmony Community Campus, opened for winter term on Jan. 8. Students who are in the college's allied health programs can now take all their courses on the Harmony Community Campus rather than commuting to and from the Oregon City campus.
The new facility allows CCC to growth its Health Science, workforce development and general education offerings. The college's Criminal Justice program is now also housed in Harmony West.
The $21.7-million project was funded through a 2014 voter-approved bond, as well as an $8-million match from the state of Oregon.
"In 2012, the college went out to the community and area businesses and asked what they needed from CCC. We dreamed how to fill that need, and we determined it had to be within the parameters of being flexible, community oriented and fiscally sound for now and in the future. I believe this building gets it right," CCC President Joanne Truesdell said.
Harmony West replaces the 61-year-old former OIT/Dale Ickes Junior High building. It is three floors and totals about 43,000 square feet, featuring classrooms, labs, community event space and a bookstore.
The community is invited to a grand opening on Thursday, Jan. 25, at 4 p.m. for a short ceremony, refreshments and self-guided tours of the building. Harmony West is located at 7738 SE Harmony Road, Milwaukie.
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