What: Groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of the historic Educational Cultural Complex (ECC) Theatre; the event is free and open to the public. 

When: Thursday, May 8, 10:00 a.m. 

Where: San Diego College of Continuing Education, Educational Cultural Complex, 4343 Oceanview Blvd., San Diego, CA 92113 (Get directions) 

Project Description: 

The ECC theatre will undergo an historic preservation and major renovation project encompassing approximately 27,000 square feet, including 3,200 square feet of new construction. Enhancements to the 275-seat theatre will include modern acoustic panels, sound and lighting controls, updated and accessible entries, foyer areas, and seating. New spaces that welcome public use from the surrounding community will be incorporated, such as updated exterior patio areas and a pantry marketplace.  

The $50M project will be funded through a $35 million grant secured by the office of Senate President Pro Tempore Emeritus Toni G. Atkins, the California Department of Finance and Measure HH, a $3.5 billion bond intended to provide for new and renovated classrooms, labs, and other facilities at campuses throughout the San Diego Community College District.  

Subsequent phases will include a large, new community room for theatre overflow, public events, and cultural preservation areas. This will involve converting an existing two-story volume classroom space into a “living museum” that celebrates the ECC’s long history of civil rights advocacy and provides space for representation and community gathering.  

Since its beginnings in 1972, the ECC has been a symbol of community, arts, culture, and activism. In 1983, at the ECC, Coretta Scott King’s address influenced the decision to sign the law creating the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. Other momentous events have ties to ECC, including performances by human rights champions Stevie Wonder, Maya Angelou, Shirley Caesar, James Meredith, and Jesse Jackson. 

Program 

• Opening performance by Ms. Alyce Smith Cooper and Mr. Bobby Simmons 
• Dr. Tina M. King, President, San Diego College of Continuing Education 
• Haydee Zuniga, Student Trustee, San Diego College of Continuing Education 
• Geysil Arroyo, President, San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees 
• Gregory Smith, Chancellor, San Diego Community College District 
• Dr. Joel Peterson, Executive Operations Officer, Vice Chancellor Operations, Enterprise Services and Facilities 
• Christina Delgado and Matt Austin, HGA Architects 
• Yvette Porter Moore, Historic Preservation Committee 
• Monica Montgomery Steppe, San Diego County Supervisor 

Visuals/Media Availability 

• Remarks 
• Ceremonial “scoop” 
• Renderings/Study Models 
• Interviews are available with SDCCD Chancellor Gregory Smith, SDCCE President Dr. Tina M. King, SDCCD Board President Geysil Arroyo, and members of the project design and construction team 
• Spanish speakers available 
• Preview interviews available upon request 

Project Partners 

• Architect: HGA Architects 
• Construction Manager: PCL Construction 
• Structural Engineer: Degenkolb Engineers 
• Civil Engineer: KPFF 
• Landscape Architect: McCullough Landscape Architects 
• Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Engineer: P2S Engineers 
• Theatrical/AV Consultant: Shalleck Collaborative 
• Acoustics: Beckman Acoustics 
• Exhibition/Cultural Consulting: Just Design 
• Inspector of Record: Phil San Filippo 

About Measure HH 

Measure HH is a $3.5 billion bond measure approved by San Diego voters in November 2024 to renovate classrooms and facilities at City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges, and the seven campuses of the College of Continuing Education. Measure HH secured support from nearly 60% of voters (55% required to pass), positioning the District to better serve students and the community for decades to come. Learn more about Measure HH prioritized projects. 

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. 

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