May 3, 2005
(DALLAS) - Members of the board of trustees for
Dallas County Community Colleges unanimously approved the purchase of
20.17 acres in Garland where the system will build a new education
center. The facility - which will be named the Eastfield College -
Northeast Campus - is one of five education centers in DCCC’S current
bond program.
In May 2004, Dallas County voters approved a $450
million bond program for Dallas County Community Colleges; that
facilities master plan includes new buildings on all campuses, plus five
centers in either underserved or fast-growing areas of Dallas County,
with some expansions or safety/ADA upgrades throughout DCCC
facilities. The centers - including the new Garland facility - will
offer credit and continuing education classes, plus services such as
career development and workforce development programs.
“The
purchase of this land signals progress for both Dallas County Community
Colleges and Garland,” said Jerry Prater, chair of the DCCC board of
trustees. “It represents an educational and community partnership that
will help us enrich lives and build community.”
Dr. Jesus “Jess”
Carreon, the system’s chancellor, added, “We are very excited, and we
look forward to working with local government, chambers of commerce,
civic and community groups, and all citizens who believe that education
is their foundation for future success. This center represents that
success.”
The property is located near downtown Garland at 5th
Street, Walnut Street and Glenbrook Drive, to the west of the current
DART terminal and parking facility, and across from - or north of - the
DART rail station. DCCC will develop plans and construct the facility on
the property within the next 24 to 36 months. Steve Park, facilities
project manager for the system, will work with others on the building
for the new education center.
DCCC bought the property from Jay
W. Jones at a cost of $2,357,403; the land is not encumbered with
existing buildings or improvements. Jim Whitten, who works for CB
Richard Ellis, was the system’s realtor for this transaction.
Since
fall 2004, a number of realtors have researched locations for the new
education centers. Property bought in the Garland area represents the
first parcel of undeveloped land purchased under the bond program for
DCCC’s education centers. “We have selected an area that will provide
educational and career development opportunities for underserved persons
who will attend the new campus as students of Eastfield College,” said
Carreon.
Other centers will be located in these general areas:
Pleasant Grove, south Irving, Coppell and west Dallas. Land for those
centers has not been purchased to date.
For more information, contact the DCCC Office of the Chancellor at (214) 860-2125.
Press contact: Ann Hatch, 214-860-2478