Today marks the beginning of a transformation at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, one that will create a true campus feel for students.

        President Ron Wright and other school officials will host an 11 a.m. groundbreaking for the institution's $55 million Advanced Technology and Learning Center, which will become the hallmark building on the Central Parkway campus.

        “In the history of the 33 years of the college this is the most significant construction,” said Douglas Heesten, vice president for institutional advancement.

        Construction will begin July 15. The building, to open in 2004, will offer the school of 7,423 students expanded student life activities and larger facilities for culinary arts and information technology instruction.

        Aaron Bley, a public speaking instructor, said he has seen the school's reputation grow in his six years there.

        “I really think that's what the president is trying to do,” he said. “To increase the professionalism, the standing.”

        After two years of planning and meeting with faculty, staff and students, school officials will present for the first time a number of artist renderings to show what the building will look like.

        Students have already heard about the 200-seat auditorium for theater, music and lectures, the larger bookstore and 700-plus car parking garage.

        Other amenities will include a cyber cafe, study areas, room for student organization offices and recreation areas.

        Students will have a central place to study, eat and socialize. The center also will provide campus green space between the main building and the health professions building.

        The Midwest Culinary Institute will gain instructional kitchens and labs, and a restaurant for catering and sales, and the pastry program will gain teaching spaces and a retail sales outlet that will be open to the public.

        The information technologies division, which enrolls 1,400 students, will have more than 33,000 square feet on the third, fourth and fifth floors.

        The additional space will help accommodate the school's growing enrollment, which jumped more than 16 percent for the spring term compared to the same time last year.

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