The San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) and San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) today celebrated the groundbreaking for the dramatic $12.5 million renovation of the ceramics facilities at the Educational Cultural Complex (ECC) in southeastern San Diego. Funded through the district's voter-approved Measure HH bond program, the $12.5 million project will transform existing spaces into a modern, spacious ceramics studio to expand instructional opportunities, improve safety, and support students pursuing artistic interests, personal enrichment, and creative career pathways.
Designed by HGA, with EC Constructors as general contractor, the renovation will provide students with a comprehensive ceramics learning environment featuring dedicated pottery wheel stations, clay-preparation equipment, glazing areas, specialized storage, and modern electric and gas kilns. New instructional spaces will include demonstration tables, digital teaching technology, and areas to display student artwork. Significant improvements to ventilation, air filtration, climate control, and other building systems will create a safer, more comfortable environment for students and instructors. Construction is scheduled from October 2026 through October 2027.
“Ceramics is much more than learning to work with clay. It is an opportunity for students to express themselves, develop new skills, build confidence, and connect with others through the creative process,” said Dr. Tina M. King, president of the San Diego College of Continuing Education. “We believe learning should be accessible at every stage of life. This new studio will offer an inspiring environment where students of all ages and backgrounds can discover their artistic abilities, pursue their passions, and join a vibrant creative community.”
"We are also looking forward to bringing state-of-the-art facilities to Southeastern San Diego, expanding educational and arts opportunities for our students and the community," she added.
The project is part of SDCCD's $3.5 billion Measure HH program, approved by San Diego voters in November 2024 to modernize educational facilities and address critical infrastructure needs across the district. Alongside the ongoing renovation of the historic ECC Theatre, the ceramics project represents a significant investment in strengthening arts education and in preserving the Educational Cultural Complex as an important cultural and educational destination for southeastern San Diego.
“Measure HH aims to create educational spaces that respond to the diverse interests, goals, and aspirations of the communities we serve,” said SDCCD Chancellor Gregory Smith. “While much of our work focuses on preparing students for high-demand careers, we also recognize the important role arts education plays in personal development, creative expression, and lifelong learning. Investments like this ensure our colleges remain welcoming places where students can explore new opportunities and enrich their lives.”
SDCCE has offered ceramics programs for more than 30 years. Beyond traditional classroom instruction, ceramics education fosters creativity, patience, problem-solving skills, and an appreciation for craftsmanship. The renovated facility will support hands-on learning in pottery, sculpture, and other ceramic arts, providing students with space to collaborate, share ideas, and develop their work in a professional-quality studio environment.
For more information about Measure HH and the ECC Ceramics Renovation Project, visit hh.sdccd.edu.
Video interviews/b-roll from the event are available at https://vimeo.com/1240959808/9d66ca9225?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci.
###
About Measure HH:
Approved by voters in November 2024, Measure HH provides $3.5 billion to modernize district campuses, create workforce training facilities, replace aging infrastructure, improve student support services, and expand access to innovative learning environments. The measure builds upon the success of previous bond programs while maintaining strong fiscal accountability and taxpayer oversight. For more information on all Measure HH projects, click here.
About the San Diego College of Continuing Education
Established in 1914, San Diego College of Continuing Education is the adult education division of the San Diego Community College District. It was one of the first community college continuing education institutions in California to meet the standards for independent accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. 20,000 students are served per academic year at seven campuses in San Diego. Noncredit classes and career training are available at no cost, including online options. Classes are free because San Diego College of Continuing Education is part of the California system of higher education. Funding also comes through business and industry partnerships.
