The Continuing Education Mesa College Campus is a two-story, 38,500-square-foot facility designed to bring together vital community programs that were previously scattered across temporary and borrowed spaces throughout the surrounding neighborhoods. Delivered by PCL Construction for the San Diego Community College District, the $22.5 million project consolidated classrooms from local high schools, churches, and civic centers into a single, permanent home—enhancing both access and experience for adult learners.

This inclusive campus now supports English as a Second Language, Parent Education, Disability Support Programs and Services, and enrichment classes for seniors. The facility includes dedicated parent-child interaction rooms and a demonstration kitchenette, supporting hands-on education around family and nutrition. This project demonstrates PCL’s continued commitment to building sustainable, community-focused education spaces for the San Diego Community College District. By delivering a thoughtfully coordinated facility that supports long-term district goals, PCL helped SDCCD advance its mission of lifelong learning with a campus built to serve and inspire.

PCL worked closely with the design team and SDCCD to implement a highly sustainable and user-engaged approach to energy efficiency. The building achieved LEED® Silver certification and was designed to exceed California energy performance standards by 43%. It incorporates passive cooling through a naturally ventilated central corridor that draws air through operable windows, regulated by a sensor-based system that automatically disengages HVAC use when conditions are favorable.

The corridor, designed as a two-story open-air space, remains unconditioned year-round, while solartube skylights bring natural light into second-floor classrooms. Materials were selected with durability and sustainability in mind, with a composite panel façade, clerestory perforated metal panels, and curtainwall glazing that all contribute to performance and daylighting.