Ten years after opening its doors in Pottstown, the College’s West Campus expanded to a historical site commonly referred to as the “former Vaughan Knitting Mill” at 16 High Street. The facility, which was renovated to historically-correct standards under the National Parks Service, opened its doors to students on January 18, 2006.
Coupled with the redesign of the former Fidelity Bank building, the expansion of West Campus anchors the revitalization of High Street and creates a community college campus within the Borough of Pottstown. Following the completion of phase-two construction, which is currently underway, the expansion will add a total of 50,000 square feet of space to the 90,000 square feet of space at the College’s original building, located at 101 College Drive. In 2007, the two buildings were linked by the development of a pedestrian underpass, unifying the West Campus for the first time. The project was recognized with the 2008 Montgomery Award for Excellence in Planning and Design in the category of Revitalization.
The expansion of the West Campus into the High Street facility, now named North Hall, enables the College to further extend its services to students, businesses, and the community. The Verizon Foundation Center for Excellence in Workforce Education and Training provides education and skill training specified by area employers for actual job openings, and it provides training to upgrade the skills of those already employed. The Center was made possible by a $50,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation and is equipped with computers at each work station, smart technology, and two-way, audio-video capability.
With demand for fine arts classes and programming growing by more than 20 percent over the past five years, the College’s North Hall includes two new art studios and classrooms for the study of painting, drawing, two- and three-dimensional design, computer graphics, and art history. At the hub of the building is a remarkable Gallery, which showcases the work of local, regional, national, and student artists.
The innovative University Center at the West Campus enables students at all levels of their education to have increased opportunities for transfer. Students can continue their education with one master's degree and seven bachelor's degree programs from some of the best four-year institutions in the region, including Albright College, Gwynedd-Mercy College, and Temple University—all from the convenience of the West Campus.
In addition to the High Street expansion, the College has partnered with the Schuylkill River Heritage Area and the Borough of Pottstown to develop a Riverfront Academic and Heritage Center at 140 College Drive. Known to many as the “old PECO building,” and located across the street from the West Campus’ existing South Hall, a portion of the building currently houses the headquarters of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area. The College will expand to the 5,000 square feet of space that is currently unutilized, adding four college classrooms, a science lab, and an Interpretive Center with educational, historical, and tourist information about the Schuylkill River Heritage Area. The space will also enable the College’s credit curriculum to be expanded in the areas of environmental science, museum studies, and education. Cultural arts programming and an annual academic symposium will also be held at the new Center, and an outdoor amphitheatre will support cultural events and live performances. The partnership is the first known one of its kind, where a community college partners with a designated national heritage area to benefit the greater community.
