Community College of Philadelphia to Break Ground On Multimillion Dollar Expansions in Philadelphia

Community College of Philadelphia broke ground on a $31 million expansion and redesign of its Northeast Regional Center, 12901 Townsend Rd., at 3:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 3. The multifaceted project is expected to create the first nationally certified, "green" college facility in Philadelphia.

U.S. Senator Arlen Specter, who helped the College obtain a $1.6 million federal grant for the project, was on hand to assist Stephen M. Curtis, the president of Community College of Philadelphia, in celebrating the momentous event attended by a host of other dignitaries. "I like what I see at Community College of Philadelphia," Specter said. "I very much appreciate the tremendous work you are doing here."

U.S. Representatives Allyson Schwartz and Patrick Murphy, who were unable to attend, also assisted the College obtain a federal grant for the Northeast Regional Center (NERC) project. Another speaker, Democratic state Representative Michael J. Stack made the surprise announcement that he has obtained an additional $1 million in state money for the expansion project.

Using cutting-edge, eco-friendly technology and construction methods, the College plans to build a new 58,000-square-foot, three-story building, which will be adjacent to the College's existing 60,000-square-foot Northeast Regional Center. Work on the NERC is expected to be completed in 2010.